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illustrent  la  mdthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

MATILDA  MONTGOMERIE: 


^n. 


THE    PROPHECY    FULFILLED. 


) 


h  TALE  OF  THE  LATE  AMERICAN  WAR. 


BEIJSa  THE  SEQUEL  TO  '•  WACOUSTA." 


BY  MAJOR  RICPIARDSON, 

KNIOHT  OP  THE  ORDER  OP  »T.  FERCWAND, 

4lJTnOB  OP  "WAOOUSTA."  « HARDSCRABBLB."  "BOARTl,"  *8^  «ft 


At'V 


ir^t  vi4  ¥  jM i!^!f?i};q  :iipf 


■|14W;3*A'^U^I^A     il^  i    :UU\iii    |i^t 


Vi       '  »    ie^^..4!'^   a" -I »   Vfs.'^f^ 


f  ■•*    Uf^l  I.  if.    ^4 


■:i:*';  5 


j'.^ 


\  i  -v^fiieifw, 


I<*'^ 


\rvi 


MATILDA   MONTGOMERIE; 

OH, 

THE    PROPHECY    FULFILLED     ' 


CHAPTER  I.  ;• 

At  the  nortlicrn  extremity  of  the  small  town  which  bears  its  nam(^ 
pituated  at  the  head  of  Lake  Erie,  stands,  or  rather  stood — for  the  fortiflcik- 
tions  then  existing  were  subsequently  destroyed — the  small  fortress  of  Maldoii. 

Few  places  in  America,  or  in  the  world,  could,  at  the  period  embraced  by 
our  narrative,  have  otiered  more  delightful  associations  than  tliat  which  \vd 
have  selected  for  an  opening  scene.  Atnherstburg  was  at  that  time  one  of  th"9 
loveliest  spots  that  ever  issued  from  the  wdl  of  a  beneficent  and  gorgeorfs 
nature,  and  were  the  world-disgusted  wanderer  to  have  selected  a  homo  in 
which  to  lose  all  memory  of  conventional  and  artificial  forms,  his  choice  would 
assiux'dly  have  fallen  here.  And  insensible,  indeed,  to  the  beautiful  rcalitiefS 
of  the  sweet  vild  solitude  that  reigned  around,  must  that  man  have  been,  who 
could  have  gazed  unmoved  from  the  b;inks  of  the  Erie,  on  the  placid  lake  b<|- 
neath  his  feet,  nrrroring  the  bright  stajred  heavens  on  its  unbroken  surface, 
or  throwing  into  full  relief  the  snow-white  sail  and  dark  hull  of  some  stately 
war-ship,  becalmed  in  the  offing,  and  only  waiting  the  rising  of  the  capricious 
breeze,  to  waft  her  onward  on  her  tften  peaceful  mission  of  dispatcli.  Lost 
indeed  to  all  perception  of  the  natural  must  he  have  been,  who  co\iUl  ha^ 
listened,  without  a  fjeling  of  voluptuous  melancholy,  to  the  plaintive  notes  of 
the  whi{>-poor-wdl,  breaking  on  the  silence  of  night,  and  harmonising  with  tUo 
general  stillness  of  the  scene,  llow  often  have  we  ourselves,  in  joyous  boy- 
hood, lingered  amid  the  beautiful  hannts,  drinking  in  the  fascinating  song  oi 
this  strange  night-bird,  and  revelling  in  a  feeling  we  were  too  young  to  ana- 
lyze, yp*.  cherished  deeplj' — yea,  frequently,  up  to  this  hour,  do  we  in  our 
dreams  revisit  .scenes  no  parallel  to  which  has  met  our  view,  even  in  the  cou|"SO 
of  a  life  passed  ni  many  climes  ;  and  on  awaking,  our  first  emotion  is  regret 
that  the  illusion  is  no  more. 

Such  was  Amherstburg.  and  its  immediate  vicinity,  daring  the  early  yeahl 
of  the  present  century,  and  up  to  the  period  at  which  our  story  commenced. 
Not,  bo  it  understood  that  even  then  the  scenery  it.sclf  had  lost  one  particlo 
of  its  loveliness,  or  failed  in  aught  to  awaken  and  fix  the  same  tender  interest. 
The  same  placidity  tf  earth  and  sky  and  lake  remained,  but  the  poor  whip- 
poor-will,  driven  from  his  customary  abode  by  the  noisy  hum  of  warlike 
preparation,  was  no  longer  heard,  and  the  minds  of  the  inhabitants,  hitherto 
disposed,  by  the  quiet  pursuits  of  their  uneventful  lives,  to  feel  pleasure  in  its 
6ong,  had  eye  or  ear  for  rKiught  beyond  what  tern  od  to  the  preservation  of 
their  threatened  homes.     It  was  the  commencement  of  the  war  of  18J  2. 

Let  us,  however  introduce  the  reader  more  immediately  to  the  scene.   CloM 


MATILDA     MONTOOMKItlE   ;    OR, 


in  Iiis  rear,  as  ho  Ktnnrls  on  the  elevated  hank  of  the  mapjniflcRnt  river  of  De 
troit,  and  about  a  mile  from  its  point  of  junction  with  Lake  Krio.  was  the  fori 
of  Amhcrstburg,  its  defences  consistnipj  eliiell}'  of  stockade  works,  ilankcd,  at 
its  several  angles,  by  strong  bastions,  and  covered  by  adotni-lunc  of  live  guns, 
00  placed  as  to  command  every  approach  by  water;  Distant  about  three  luin- 
dred  yards  on  his  right,  was  a  larj^e,  oblonp;,  square  building,  resembling  in 
appearance  the  red,  low-roofed  blockhouses  peering  above  the  outward 
defences  of  the  fort.  Surrounding  this,  and  extending  to  the  skirt  of  tho 
tliinned  forest,  the  original  boundary  of  which  was  marked  by  an  infinitude 
of  dingy,  half  blackened  stumps,  were  to  be  .seen  numerous  huts  or  wig- 
wams of  the  Indians,  from  the  Ures  before  which  arose  a  smoke  that  contri- 
buted, with  the  slight  haze  of  the  atmosphere,  to  envelope  tho  tops  of  the  tall 
trees  in  a  veil  of  blue  vapor,  rendering  them  almo.st  invisible.  Between  thcso 
wigwams  and  the  extreme  verge  of  the  thickly  wooded  banks,  which  sweep- 
ing in  bold  curvature  for  an  extent  of  many  miles,  brought  into  view  tbo 
eastern  extremity  of  Turkey  Island,  situated  midway  between  Amherstbur^ 
•nd  Detroit,  were  to  be  .seen,  containing  the  accumulated  Indian  dead  of  many 
years,  tumuli,  rudely  executed,  it  is  true,  but  picturesquely  decorated  with 
euch  adornments  as  it  is  the  custom  of  these  simple  mannered  people  to  bo- 
stow  on  the  last  sanctuaries  of  their  departed  friends.  Some  three  or  four 
mile.s,  and  across  tho  water,  (for  it  is  hero  that  tho  river  acquires  her  fullest 
majesty  of  expansion.)  is  to  be  .seen  the  American  i.sland  of  Gros  Lsle,  which, 
lit  the  period  of  which  we  write,  bore  few  traces  of  cultivation — scarcely  a  ha 
bitation  being  visible  throughout  its  extent — various  necks  of  land,  however 
shoot  out  abruptly,  and  independently  of  the  channel  running  between  it  and 
the  American  mam  shore,  form  small  bays  or  harbors  in  which  boats  may 
always  find  shelter  and  concealment. 

Thus  far  the  view  to  the  right  of  the  spectator,  whom  we  assume  to  bo 
facing  the  river.  Immediately  opposite  to  the  covering  demi-lune,  and  in  front 
of  the  fort,  appeared,  at  a  distance  of  less  than  half  a  mile,  a  blockhou.se  and 
battery,  crowning  the  western  extremity  of  the  island  of  Bois  Blanc,  one  mile 
in  length,  and  la.shed  at  its  opposite  extremity  by  the  waters  of  Lake  Erie, 
which,  at  this  precise  point  receives  into  her  capacious  bosom  the  vast  tribute 
of  the  noble  river  connecting  her  with  tho  higher  lakes.  Between  this  island 
and  the  Canadian  shore  lies  the  only  navigable  channel  for  .ships  of  heavy  ton- 
nage, for  although  the  waters  of  the  Detroit  are  of  vast  depth  every  whcro 
above  the  i.sland,  they  are  near  their  point  of  junction  with  the  lake,  and,  in 
what  is  called  the  American  channel,  so  interrupted  byshallows  and  sandbars, 
that  no  craft  larger  than  tho.se  of  a  description  termed  "  Durham  boats,"  can 
cftcct  the  passage — on  the  other  hand  the  channel  dividing  the  island  from  tho 
Canadian  shore  is  at  once  deep  and  .  apid,  and  capable  of  receiving  vessels  of 
the  largest  h\zi}.  The  importance  of  such  a  passage  was  obvious ;  but  although 
a  state  of  war  necessarily  prevented  aid  from  armed  vessels  t«  such  forts  of  the 
Americ:ina  as  lay  to  the  westward  of  the  lake,  it  by  no  means  effectually  cut 
off  their  supplies  through  the  medium  of  the  Durham  boats  already  alluded  to. 
In  ordoi  to  intercept  those,  a  most  vigilant  watch  was  kept  by  the  light  gun 

.,boats  despatched  into  the  lesser  channel  for  that  purpose. 

*^  A  blockhouse  and  battery  crowned  also  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  i.sland, 
and  both,  provided  with  a  tlagstaff  for  the  purpose  of  communication  by  .signal 
with  the  fort,  were  far  fro«n  being  wanting  in  picturesque  effect.  Asubaltern'a 
command  of  infant^3^  and  a  bombvadier's  of  artillery,  were  the  only  troops 
Stationed  there,  and  these  were  rather  to  look  out  for  and  report  the  approach 
of  whatever  American  boats  might  be  soon  stealing  along  th<^'ir  own  channel, 
than  with  any  view  to  the  serious  defence  of  a  post  already  sufflciently  com- 
■nanded  by  the  adjacent  fortress.  In  every  other  direction  the  island  wart 
thickly  wooded — not  a  house,  not  a  hut  arose,  to  diversify  the  wild  beauty  of 
the  scene.  Frequently,  it  is  true,  along  the  margin  of  its  sands  might  be'seen 
a  succ«*si6n  of  Indian  wigwams,  and  the  dusky  and  sinewy  forms  of  ineii 
glidi.Mg  roimd  tUoir  fires,  as  they  danced  to  the  monotonous  sound  of  the  war 


ver  of  De 
•ns  the  fall 
Hiuikctl,  at 
f  five  puns, 
three  ium- 
cnibling  in 
e  outward 
kirt  of  the 
1  infinitude 
its  or  wig- 
hat  contri- 
;  of  the  tall 
ween  thcso 
uch  sweep- 
to  view  tbo 
mhcrsthurfi 
;ad  of  many 
orated  with 
icoplc  to  be- 
iroe  or  four 
^  her  fullest 
Isle,  which, 
arcely  a  ha 
nd,  however 
twcen  it  and 
I  boats  may 

.savune  to  bo 
and  in  front 
jkhousc  and 
inc.  one  milo 
»f  Lake  Erie, 

vast  tribute 
n  this  island 
>f  heavy  ton- 
every  whero 
lake,  and,  in 
1(1  sandbars, 

boats,"  can 
md  from  tho 
i;;  vessels  of 
)ut  althou|;h 
I  forts  of  the 

cctually  cut 

y  alluded  to. 

le  light  gun 

f  the  island, 
on  by  signal 
\  subaltern's 
only  troops 
the  ap])roaoh 
wn  channel, 
cicntly  com- 
1  island  wa.>< 
(1  beauty  of 
ight  be 'seen 
irnis  of  liieri 
1  of  the  war 


THE     PUOPIIECY     FULFILLED.  § 

dance  -,  but  these  migratory  people  seldom  continuing  long  in  tho  same  «i  ot, 
t!u'  island  was  again  and  again  left  to  its  solitude. 

Strongly  contrasted  with  thi^;,  would  the  spectator,  whom  we  still  s\ipp.'»w 
ptan<ling  on  the  bank  where  we  first  placed  him,  find  the  view  on  his  loft. 
Tlioro  would  he  have  behold  a  small  town,  composetl  entirely  of  wooden 
houses  variously  awl  not  inelegantly  painted  ;  and  receding  gradually  from 
the  river's  edge  to  the  slowly  disappearing  f(jrest,  on  which  its  latest  rudo 
edifice  reposed.  Between  the  town  and  the  fort,  was  to  be  seen  a<h)ckyard 
of  no  despicable  dimensions,  in  which  the  hum  of  human  voices  mingled  with 
tho  sound  of  active  hibor — there  too  might  be  seen,  in  the  deep  harbor  of  tho 
nariow  channel  that  sepuratc<l  the  town  from  the  island  we  have  just 
described,  some  halfjozon  gallant  vessels  bearing  the  colors  of  England, 
breasting  with  their  (rnrk  j)rows  the  rapid  current  that  strained  their  creaking 
cables  ni  every  strand,  and  .seemingly  impatient  of  the  curb  that  checked  them 
from  gliding  iuipetuou.sly  into  the  broad  lake,  which,  .some  few  hundred  yards 
below,  appeared  to  court  thcin  to  her  bosom.  But  although  in  these  might 
be  heard  the  bustle  of  warlike  preparation,  the  chief  attention  would  be  ob- 
served to  be  directed  towards  a  large  half  finished  vessel,  on  which  numerous 
workmen  of  all  descriptions  were  busily  employed,  evidently  with  a  view  of 
preparing  for  imniediate  service. 

Beyond  the  town  again  might  be  obtained  a  view  of  the  high  and  cultivated 
banks,  sweeping  in  gentle  curve  until  they  at  leiigth  termin.ated  in  a  low  and 
Kiindy  spot,  called,  from  tho  name  of  its  proprietor,  Elliott's  p^iint.  This 
iitretched  itsilf  towards  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  island,  so  as  to  leave  the 
outlet  to  the  lake  barely  wide  enough  for  a  single  vessel  to  pass  at  a  time,  and 
that  not  without  skilful  pilotage  and  much  caution. 

Assuming  the  reader  to  be  now  as  fully  familiar  with  the  scene  as  ourselves, 
let  him  next,  in  imagination,  people  it,  as  on  the  occasion  we  have  chosen  for 
his  introduction  It  was  a  warm,  sunny  day,  in  the  early  part  ol*  Jul^'.  The 
town  if  jielf  was  as  quiet  as  if  the  glaive  of  war  repo.sed  in  its  sheath,  and  the 
inhabitants  pursued  their  wonted  avocations  with  the  air  of  men  who  had  no- 
thing in  common  with  the  active  interest  which  evidently  dominated  the  more 
military  portions  of  the  scene.  It  was  clear  that  among  these  latter  some 
cau-se  for  excitement  existed,  for,  indc])cndently  of  the  unceasing  bustle  within 
the  dockyard — a  bustle  which  however  had  but  one  undivided  object,  thecira- 
pletion  and  e<juipment  of  the  large  vessel  then  on  the  stocks — the  immediate 
neighborhood  of  the  fort  presented  evidence  of  some  moro  than  ordinary 
interest.  The  encampment  of  the  Indians  on  the  verge  of  the  forest,  had  given 
forth  the  great  body  of  their  warriors,  and  these  clad  in  their  gayest  apparel, 
covered  with  feathers  and  leggings  of  bright  colors,  decorated  with  small 
tinkling  bells  that  fell  not  inharmoniously  on  the  ear,  as  they  kept  tune  to  tho 
measured  walk  of  their  proud  wearers,  were  princii)ally  assemljled  around  and 
in  front  of  the  large  building  wo  have  doscriiiel  as  bjing  wi;h!)ut,  yet  adja- 
cent to,  the  fort.  These  warriors  might  have  bcL'n  about  a  thousand  in  num- 
ber, and  amused  themselves  vanou>ly — (the  younivr  at  least) — witii  leaping 
— wrestling — ball-playing— and  the  foot  race — in  all  which  exercises  they  are 
unrivalled.  The  elders  boro  no  part  in  these  amusements,  but  stood,  or  sat 
cross-legged  on  the  edge  of  the  bank,  smoking  their  pipes,  and  expressing  their 
approbation  of  the  prowess  or  dexterity  of  the  victors  in  the  gtunes.  by  guttu- 
ral, yet  rapidly  uttered  exclamations.  Mingled  with  these  were  >-on>c  six  Or 
seven  individuals,  whose  glittering  costume  of  scarl't  announced  them  for 
ofUcers  of  the  garrison,  and  elsewhere  disposed,  soi.ic  along  the  bank.s  and 
crowding  the  battery  in  front  of  the  fort,  or  immediately  round  the  buildsn^ 
yet  quite  apart  from  their  officers,  Avere  a  numerous  body  of  the  inferior 
soldiery. 

But  although  these  distinct  partl&s  were  assembled,  to  all  appearance,  witti 
a  view,  tho  one  to  perform  in,  the  other  to  'vitness.  the  active  sports  wo  hayo 
enumerated,  a  clo.se  observer  of  the  movements  of  all  would  have  perce4vcd 
there  was  something  more  important  ia  contemplation,  to  the  enactment  of 


MATILDA     MONTOOMEniE;    OR, 


which  tlicse  expiriscs  were  but  the  prchi'lo,  Both  ofllcors  and  men.  nnd  own 
the  pnrticipatnrs ill  the  sports,  turm-d  their  paze  freqmiilly  up  the  Di'tnnt.  nn 
H*  they  expected  some  iinpurlaiit  ajjprourli.  'I'lio  liroad  reach  of  the  wido 
river,  aflordinp  an  iindisturlted  view,  hk  we  have  stated,  for  n  distance  of  somo 
•ino  or  ten  miles,  whera  commenced  the  near  extremity  of  Tiirlcey  island, 
presented  nothing,  liowever,  ns  yet,  to  their  gaze,  ami  tepealc  lly  were  t^io 
lelescopes  of  the  ofllcers  raised  only  to  fall  in  di.Hai)poinlnient  from  the  eye. 
At  length  a  nmnhcr  of  small  dark  speck.s  were  seen  studding  the  tranquil 
bosom  of  the  river,  n»  tlicy  emerged  rapidly,  one  after  the  other,  from  tho 
cover  of  the  i.shiad.  The  commiiiii(;ation  was  made.  l)y  him  who  first  disco- 
Kpred  them,  to  his  companions.  The  elder  Indians  who  sat  near  tlie  spot  on 
which  the  pfHcers  stoo<l,  were  made  acquainted  with^vhat  even  their  own 
Iharp  sight  eould  not  distinguish  imaided  by  the  glass.  One  sprang  to  hi.s 
ftct.  rai.sed  the  telescope  to  hi.s  eye,  and  with  an  exclamation  of  wonder  at  tho 
•trange  properties  of  the  matrument.  confirmed  to  his  followers  the  truth  of 
tjie  statement.  The  elders,  principally  chiefs,  spoke  in  various  tongues  to 
^»eir  respective  warriors.  The  sports  were  abanddncd.  and  all  crowded  to  tho 
%Qnk  with  anxiety  and  interest  depicted  in  their  attitudes  and  demeaTior. 

Meanwhile  the  dark  .specks  upon  the  water  increased  momentarily  in  size. 
Presently  they  could  be  distinguished  for  canoes,  which,  rapidly  impelled,  nnd 
aided  in  their  course  by  the  swift  current,  were  not  long  in  developing  thcm- 
iielves  to  the  naked  eye.  These  canoes,  about  fifty  in  number,  were  of  bark, 
ifuad  of  so  light  a  description,  that  a  man  of  ordinary  strength  might,  without 
Jindergoing  serious  fatigue,  carry  one  for  miles.  The  warriors  who  now  pro- 
|K>ned  them,  were  naked  in  all  save  their  leggings  and  waist  cloths,  their  bodies 
and  faces  begrimed  with  paint:  and  as  they  drew  near,  fifteen  was  observed 
lo  be  the  complement  of  each.  They  sat  by  twos  on  the  narrow  thwarts  •,  and, 
Mcith  their  faces  to  the  prow,  dipped  their  paddles  simultaneously  into  tho 
•trcHin,  with  a  regularity  of  movement  not  to  be  surpassed  by  the  mostexpe- 
wenced  boat's  crew  of  Europe.  In  the  stern  of  each  sat  a  chief  guiding  \m 
liark  with  the  same  unpretending  but  skilful  and  efficient  paddle,  and  behind 
mm  drooping  in  the  brcczeless  air,  and  trailing  in  the  silvery  tide,  was  to  be 
Wmu  a  long  pendant,  bearing  the  red  cross  of  England. 

It  was  a  novel  and  beautiful  sight  to  behold  tliat  imposing  fleet  of  canoes, 
apparently  so  frail  in  toxt)ire  that  the  dropping  of  a  pebble  between  the  skel- 
eton ribs  might  be  deemed  sufficient  to  perforate  and  sink  them,  yet  withal 
/JO  nigeniously  contrived  as  to  bear  safely  not  only  the  warriors  who  formed 
their  crews,  but  also  their  arms  of  all  descriptions,  and  such  light  equipment 
of  raiment  and  necessaries  as  were  uidispcnsable  to  men  who  had  to  voyage 
.wng  and  far  in  pursuit  of  the  goal  they  were  now  rapi<lly  attaining.  The  In- 
'iians  already  encamped  near  the  fort,  were  warriors  of  nations  long  rendered 
(Kniiliar  by  personal  intercourse,  not  only  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  district, 
"hut  with  the  troops  themselves;  and  these,  from  frequent  association  with  the 
.whites,  had  lo.st  much  of  that  fierceness  which  is  socharactcristicof  the  North 
wAniericun  Indian  in  his  ruder  state.  Among  these,  with  the  more  intelligent 
Iluron.s,  were  the  remnants  of  those  very  tribes  of  Shawnees  and  Delawares 
whom  we  have  recorded  to  have  l)orne,  half  a  century  ago,  so  prominent  a 
^hare  in  the  confederacy  against  England,  V)ut  who,  after  the  termination  of 
that  di.sastrous  war,  had  so  far  abandoned  their  wild  hostility,  as  to  have  set- 
tled in  various  points  of  contiguity  to  the  forts  to  which  they,  periodically,  re- 
paired to  receive  those  presents  which  a  judicious  policy  so  profusely  be- 
itowod. 

The  reinforcement  just  arriving  was  composed  principally  of  warriors  who 
*  had  never  yet  pressed  a  soil  wherein  civilization  had  extended  her  influence — 
men  who  had  never  hitherto  beheld  the  f;ice  of  a  white,  unless  it  were  that  of  the 
Canadian  trader,  who,  at  stated  periods,  penetrated  fearlessly  into  their  wilds 
Ibr  purposes  of  traffic,  and  who  to  the  bronzed  cheek  that  exposure  had  ren- 
dered nearly  as  swarthy  as  their  own,  united  not  only  the  language  but  so 
wholly  tho  dross — or  rather  the  unUress  of  those  he  visited,  that  he  might 


TUB    PROFHBCV     FOLFILLED. 


n.  nnil  ovftn 

Di'troit.  as 
:>f  the  wido 
nee  of  somo 
key  island, 
y  wiTC  l4io 
m  tlm  eye. 
he  tninquil 
•r.  from  tho 

first  flisco- 
the  spot  on 

their  own 
nmj;  to  his 
)n(ler  at  tho 
he  truth  of 

tonjuics  to 
A-ded  to  tho 
u'uiior. 
rily  in  size. 
npelled.nnd 
ipinj;  thcni- 
're  of  bark, 
;ht,  without 
10  now  pro- 
thcir  bodies 
IS  observed 
warts ;  and, 
iy  into  tlio 

inostc.vpe- 
guidinj:  ilia 

and  behind 
was  to  be 

of  canoea, 

•n  the  skel- 

■et  withal 

\o  forjned 

equipment 

to  voyage 

The  In- 

j;  rendered 

ic  (hstrict, 

>n  witli  the 

the  North 

intelligent 

Delawares 

romincnt  a 

ination  of 

I)  have  sct- 

ilicaily,  ro- 

ifuseiy  bo- 

rriors  who 
nlUience— 
that  of  the 
Iheir  wiMa 
e  had  ren- 
fiire  but  Ko 
he  might 


ewfly  liftvo  been  confounded  with  one  of  their  own  <lark-b]oodc(l  rare.  So  n^ 
laotu,  inde(*d,  were  the  regions  in  which  souio  of  these  warriors  had  been 
Kought,  that  they  were  strangers  to  the  existence  of  morn  than  one  of  their 
tribes,  and  upon  these  they  gazed  with  a  surprise  only  inferior  to  what  they 
nmniusted,  when,  for  tho  first  time,  they  miuked  the  aecoutrejuunts  of  tho 
British  soldier,  and  turned  with  secret,  but  acknowledged  awe  and  admiration 
upon  the  frowning  fort  and  stately  shipping,  bn  tling  with  cannon,  and  vomit- 
ing forth  sheets  offianie  as  tliey  approaehetl  the  shore.  In  these  might  havo 
been  studied  the  natural  dignity  of  nian.  Firm  of  step — proud  of  mien- 
haughty  and  j)enetrating  of  look,  each  leader  olfered  in  his  own  person  a  model 
to  the  scul|)tor,  which  he  might  vainly  seek  elsewhere.  Free  and  unfettered 
every  limb,  they  moved  in  the  majesty  of  nature,  and  with  an  air  of  dai'k  ro- 
servc,  passed,  on  landing,  through  the  admiring  crowd. 

There  was  one  of  tlie  niunber,  however,  and  his  canoe  was  decorated  with  a 
riclier  and  a  larger  Hug,  whose  costume  was  that  of  the  more  civilized  Indians, 
and  who  in  nobleness  of  deportment,  even  surpassed  tho.so  wo  have  la,st 
named.  This  was  Tecumseh.  Ho  was  not  of  the  race  of  either  of  the  parties 
who  now  accompanied  hiuj  but  of  one  of  the  nations,  many  of  whose  warriora 
were  assembled  on  the  bank  awaiting  his  arrival.  As  the  head  chief  of  tho 
Indians,  liis  authority  was  acknowle<lged  by  all,  even  to  the  remotest  of  thesii 
wild  but  interesting  people,  and  the  result  of  the  exercise  of  his  all-powerful 
influence  had  been  the  gathering  together  of  those  warriors,  whom  lie  ha<I 
personally  hastened  to  collect  from  tlic  extreme  west,  passing  in  his  courso 
und  with  impunity,  the  several  American  posts  that  lay  in  their  way. 

It  was  amidst  the  blaze  of  a  united  salvo  from  the  dcmi-luno  crowning  tho 
bank,  and  from  the  shipping,  that  the  noble  chiefUiin.  accompanied  by  tho 
leaders  of  those  wild  tribes,  leaped  lightly,  yet  proudly  to  the  beach  ;  and  hav- 
ing a.scended  the  steep  bank  by  a  flight  of  rude  steps  cut  out  of  the  earth, 
finally  stood  amid  the  party  of  odicers  waiting  to  receive  them.  It  would  not 
a  little  have  surprised  a  Bond  street  exquisite  of  that  day  to  have  witnessed 
the  cordiality  with  which  the  dark  hand  of  the  savage  was  successively  presjicd 
in  the  fairer  palms  of  the  English  officers,  neitiicr  would  his  astoni.shment 
have  been  abated,  on  remarking  tho  proud  dignity  of  carriage  maintained  by 
the  former,  in  this  exchange  of  courtesy,  as  though,  while  he  joined  heart  to 
hand  wherever  the  latter  fell,  he  seemed  rather  to  bestow  than  to  receive  a 
condescension. 

Had  none  oftho.se  officers  ever  previously  beheld  him,  the  fame  of  his  heroic 
deeds  had  gone  sufficiently  before  the  warrior  to  have  insured  him  their  wann- 
est greeting  and  approbation,  and  none  could  mistake  a  fot-m  that,  even  amid 
those  who  were  a  password  for  native  majesty,  stood  alone  in  its  bearing;  but 
Tecumseh  wag  a  stranger  to  few.  Since  his  defeat  on  the  Wabash  he  had 
been  nmch  at  Amhcrstburg  where  lie  had  rendered  himself  conspicuous  by 
one  or  two  animated  and  highlj'  eloquent  speeches,  having  for  their  object  tho 
consolidation  of  a  treaty,  in  which  the  Indian  interests  were  subsequently 
bound  in  clo.se  union  with  those  of  England  ;  and,  up  to  the  moment  of  \m 
recent  expedition,  had  cultivated  the  most  perfect  understanding  with  tho 
English  chiefs. 

It  might,  however,  be  seen  that  even  while  pleasure  and  satisfaction  at  a  ro- 
miion  with  tho.se  he  in  turn  esteemed,  llaslied  from  his  dark  and  eager  eyo, 
there  was  still  lurking  about  his  manner  that  secret  jealousy  of  distinctioiiy 
which  is  so  characteristic  of  the  haughty  Indian.  After  the  first  warm  .salu- 
tations had  pa.s.sed,  he  became-sensible  of  the  ubf>encc  of  the  English  chief;  btik 
this  was  expressed  rather  by  a  certain  outswelling  of  his  chest,  and  the  search* 
ing  glance  of  his  restless  eye,  than  by  any  words  that  fell  from  his  lips.  Prc- 
Bently,  he  whom  he  sought,  and  whose  person  had  hitherto  been  concealed  br 
the  battery  on  tho  bank,  was  seen  advancing  towards  him,  accompanied  by 
his  personal  staff.  In  a  moment  the  shade  passed  away  from  the  brow  of  thO' 
warrior,  and  w  irmly  grasping  and  pressing,  for  the  second  time,  the  hand  of  a 
youth — one  of  he  group  of  Junior  officers  among  whom  he  yet  stood,  aad  whO' 


MATILDA     MONTaOMERIC;    OH, 


hdil  nianrfe5it(!(l  cTen  more  tlmn  his  companions  tho  nnboandcd  pli>a.<;nr«  h4 
look  in  tho  diicfluin's  ro-nfipoarance— ho  moved  forwanl.  with  an  ardor  of 
niiuini'r  t)iat  waa  with  (UlUculty  rcstrainud  hy  \m  sense  of  d'tcuity,  to  give  ihem 
the  trirctmi;. 

Tlio  lirst  of  tlic  ndvancinp  party  was  a  tall,  martial  lookinp  man,  wearing 
the  dress  and  insij^nia  of  a  general  ofileer.  11  is  rather  florid  countenance  wiw 
♦iniiiently  fine,  if  not  handsome,  oirerin<»,  in  ifs  more  Roman  than  Grecian 
contour,  a  model  of  quiet,  inaidy  beauty ;  while  the  eye  beaming  with  intelli- 
pence  and  candor,  pave,  in  the  occasional  flashes  which  it  emitted,  indication 
of  a  miiiil  of  no  common  order.  There  was,  notwith.standinp,  a  hcnevolenco 
of  expression  about  it  that  blended  (in  a  manner  to  excite  attention)  with  n 
dipnity  of  deportment,  as  much  the  result  of  habitual  .self  command,  as  of  tho 
proud  eminence  of  distinction  on  which  ho  stood.  Tho  se<latiTC  character  of 
middle  ti'^c,  added  to  Ionj»  acquired  military  habits,  had  given  a  certain  rigidity 
to  his  line  form,  that  mifrht  have  made  him  appear  to  a  first  observer  even 
older  than  he  was,  hut  the  placidity  of  a  countenance  beaming  good  will  and 
alfubility.  speedily  removed  the  impression,  and,  if  tho  portly  figure  added  to 
hi*i  years,  tho  nniurrowed  countenance  took  from  them  in  equal  proportion. 

At  his  side,  hangin-^  on  his  arm  .and  habited  in  naval  uniform,  appeared  ono 
who,  from  his  familiarity  of  aildrcss  with  tho  General,  not  less  than  by  certain 
appropriate  badges  of  distinction,  might  be  known  as  the  commander  of  tho 
little  fleet  (hen  lying  in  the  harbor.  Shorter  in  person  than  liis  companion, 
his  frame  made  np  in  activity  what  it  wanted  in  height,  and  there  w;i3  that 
easy  freedom  in  his  movements  which  so  usually  distinguishes  the  carriage  of 
the  sailor,  and  which  now  offered  a  remarkable  contrast  to  that  rigidity  wo 
have  stated  to  have  attached,  albeit  iinaflectedly,  to  the  military  commander. 
Ills  eyes,  of  a  much  darker  hue,  sparkled  witli  a  livelier  intelligonco,  and  al- 
though his  complexion  w.as  also  liighly  florid,  it  was  softened  down  by 
general  viv.icity  of  expression  that  pciTaded  his  frank  and  smiling  countenance. 
The  featin-es,  regular  and  still  youthful,  wore  a  bland  and  pleasing  character; 
while  neither,  m  look,  nor  bearing,  nor  word  could  there  be  trace<l  any  of  that 
haughty  re.wrvo  usually  u.scribcd  to  the  "lords  of  tho  .sea,"  There  needed  no 
other  \erald  to  proclaim  him  for  one  who  had  already  Been  honorable  service, 
tlian  the  inutilatcd  stump  of  what  had  onco  been  an  .arm  :  yet  in  this  thero 
was  no  boastful  display,  as  of  one  who  deemed  ho  had  a  right  to  tread  moro 
proudl}'  because  he  had  chanced  to  suffer,  where  all  had  been  equally  expo.sed, 
III  the  performance  of  a  common  duty.  The  empty  sleeve,  uno.stcntatiousIy 
fastened  by  a  loop  from  the  wrist  to  a  button  of  the  lappol,  was  suffered  to 
fall  at  his  side,  and  by  no  one  was  the  deficiency  less  remarked  than  by  him- 
self. 

The  greeting  between  Tecumseh  and  these  officers,  was  stich  as  might  ])c  ex- 
pected from  warriors  bound  to  each  other  by  mutual  esteem.  Each  held  tho 
i»ther  in  the  highest  honor,  but  it  w.as  particularly  remarked  that  while  tho 
Indian  (/hioflain  looked  up  to  the  General  with  the  respect  he  felt  to  bo  duo 
to  him,  his  address  to  his  companion,  whom  he  now  beheld  for  the  first  time, 
\ras  M'arnjcr,  and  more  energetic  ;  and  as  ho  repeatedly  glancdU  at  thearmle.sg 
■sleeve,  he  uttered  one  of  those  quick  ejaculatory  exclau.ations,  peculiar  to  his 
■  lice,  and  indicating,  in  this  instance,  the  fullest  extent  of  approbation.  Tho 
>cci-et  bond  of  smpathy  which  chained  his  interest  to  the  sailor,  might  have 
i>we<l  its  being  to  another  cau.se.  In  the  countenance  of  the  latter  there  waa 
t.iuch  of  that  eagerness  of  expression,  and  in  the  eye  that  vivacious  fire,  that 
flashed,  even  in  repose,  from  his  own  swarthier  and  more  speaking  features; 
Kud  this  assimilation  of  character  might  have  been  the  means  of  producing 
( hat  pr'^ference  for,  and  devotcdne.ss  to,  the  cause  of  the  naval  commander,  that 
t'lbsequently  developed  itself  in  the  chieftain.  In  a  word,  the  General  .seemed 
to  claim  the  admiration  and  th.e  resi)cct  of  the  Indian — the  Commodore,  his 
sdmiration  and  friendkhip. 

The  greeting  between  these  generous  leaders  was  brief.     When  the  first 
tilutations  had  been  interchanscd,  it  was  intimated  to  Tecum^seh  through  thf 


II  nnlor  of 
)givo  them 

in,  wearing 
jnancc  \vim 
in  Oicciiin 
rith  intcllt- 
,  indication 
icnevolcnco 
on)  witli  a 
I,  as  of  the 
larnctcr  of 
lin  rigiility 
crvcr  even 
xl  will  nnd 
■c  luMed  to 
proportion, 
pcarcd  ono 
by  ccrtiiin 
ider  of  tho 
•r>m|mnion, 
u  was  that 
carriage  of 
i},'idity  wo 
iniiiiander. 
CO,  and  al- 
rn  by  . . 
untcnance. 
character ; 
iny  of  that 
needed  no 
)]c  service, 
this  thero 
cad  luoro 
y  exposed, 
ntatioiisly 
iiflercd  to 
1  by  hini- 

!^ht  be  ex- 
held  tho 
while  tho 
to  be  duo 
Pirat  time, 
learmlesa 
iiir  to  his 
on.  Tho 
ght  have 
lerc  was 
fire,  that 
features ; 
reducing 
der.  that 
al  seemed 
dore,  Ilia 

the  first 
ough  tht 


TIIR     PROP  II  BOY     rULPILLIiD.  V 

nicdinn  of  an  intrrprnter  then  in  nttundance  on  the  npncral,  that  a  wiir- 
conncil  had  been  onhfrt'd,  for  tho  purposo  of  tukiii;^  into  romidtTiilion  the  buRl 
nieim.s  of  (IffejitinKthodesij^nsof  thi;  Americans,  who,  with  a  vww  to  oH'cnsivc 
oiHTfttions.  Iiad,  in  the  interval  of  tho  warrior's  ub^ienciv  pu-di-d  on  n  conside- 
rable force  to  the  frontier.  Tho  oonncil,  howtvi-r,  had  been  delayed,  in  or<ler 
thiit  it  mi^lit  have  the  bmctit  of  his  opiuionn  and  of  his  expcricnco  in  tho 
peculiar  wai f ue  which  was  about  to  be  coinniciicid. 

Tecumseh  afknowled!;»ed  his  si-nso  of  tlio  conuniuiication  with  the  bold 
frankness  of  the  inartilicial  sou  of  nature,  scornin;;  to  conccul  his  just  Keif- 
cstintatc  beneath  a  veil  of  uU'ected  niolcsty.  He  knew  his  own  worth,  and 
while  he  (»verviilii(il  not  on  iota  of  that  worth,  so  di  1  he  not  all'cct  to  disclaim 
a  consciousness  of  the  fact — that  witlun  iiis  .swarthy  chest  and  active  brain, 
'there  beat  a  heart  and  lived  a  judLMnent,  as  prompt  to  conceive  and  execute  at 
those  of  the  proudest  fie  that  ever  swii\  eii  the  ;iesliuies  of  a  warlike  people, 
lleplyinj;  to  the  complimentary  invitation  of  the  (icneral,  he  uuhi'siliUin^ly 
said  lie  had  done  well  to  await  his  arrival,  before  he  determined  on  the  courso 
of  action,  and  tliat  he  .shojild  now  have  the  full  benefit  of  hi.s  opinions  and 
advice. 

If  the  chief  hail  been  forcibly  prepos.cvsed  in  favor  of  the  naval  commandrr 
the  latter  had  not  been  le,s.s  iufjiested.  Si.  his  retrent  arrival  to  assume  tho 
direction  of  the  Heet,  Commoiiore  Barclay  hi»  tiad  opportunities  of  .seeinj;  such 
of  the  chiefs  as  were  then  assembled  at  Ai  ilurstburf;  ;  lint  ^reat  as  hail  been 
his  admiration  of  several  of  these,  he  !  ui  bci  n  given  ..ndirstand  tic.}  fell 
far  short,  in  eveiy  moral  and  phy.  d  advnntiifro,  „i  what  their  renowned 
leader  would  be  found  to  pos.'-ess.  wlicn,  on  '  's  return  from  t)ie  e.vpedition  in 
wliich  he  was  enJ;a^r,ed.  (ittin;^  opportunity  s.  -dd  be  had  of  brip;;in;;  them  in 
persona'  proximity.  'i.hi.i  admission  w;i.  ;i(,  v  made  in  the  fullest  .sense,  and 
as  the  warrior  moved  away  tO{^ive  the  prce!.in;2;s  to  tho  several  chiefs,  and  con- 
duct them  to  the  council  hall,  tho  gallant  saiLi  could  not  refrain  from  cxpres- 
sin;j;  in  the  warmest  terms  to  General  BrocK.  as  they  n.  *  -d  slowly  forward 
with  the  same  intention,  the  eulhusi'  stic  admiration  excited  in  hiin  by  the 
per-ion,  the  manner,  and  tlie  bearing,  of  tho  noMoTecumsch. 

Again  the  cannon  from  tlio  battery  and  th(!  shipping  j)eak  1  forth  their 
thimder.  Ft  was  the  signal  for  the  commencement  of  the  council,  and  th'? 
scene  at  that  moment  was  ono  of  tho  most  iii-hncsque  th^.t  'an  well  bo 
im.agineil.  The  sky  was  cIoudle,s,s,  and  tho  river,  no  longer  riilUeil  by  the  now 
motionless  barks  of  the  recently  arrived  Indians,  yet  obeying  tho  action  of  the 
tide,  olfercd,  as  it  glided  onward  to  the  lake,  tlie  image  of  a  Hood  of  quick- 
Kilvor  ;  white,  m  the  distance  that  lake  itself,  smooth  as  a  mirror,  spread  far 
and  wide.  Close  under  the  bank  yet  lingered  the  canoes,  emptied  only  of 
their  helmsmen  (the  chiefs  of  the  several  tribo.s,)  while  with  strange  tongues 
and  wilder  gestures,  the  warriors  of  thcs;;,  as  they  rested  on  their  paddles, 
greeted  the  loud  report  of  the  cannon — now  watching  with  eager  eye  the  Hashes 
from  the  vessel's  .sides,  and  now  upturning  their  gaze,  and  following  with  wild 
surprise,  tho  deepening  volumes  of  smoke  that  pas.sed  immediately  over  their 
heads,  from  the  guns  of  the  battery,  hidden  from  their  view  by  the  elevated 
and  overhanging  bank.  l{lended  with  each  di.scharge  arose  tho  wild  yell, 
which  the}-,  in  such  a  moment  of  novel  excitement,  felt  it  impossible  to  control, 
and  this,  answered  by  the  Indians  above,  and  borne  iu  echo  almost  to  tho 
American  shore,  had  in  it  .something  indescribably  grand  and  startling.  On 
the  bank  itself  the  scene  was  singuhirly  picturesque.  Here  were  to  be  .seen 
the  bright  uniforms  of  the  British  officers,  at  the  head  of  whom  was  the  tall 
and  martial  figure  of  Oenciid  Brock,  furthermore  conspicuous  from  the  full 
and  drooping  feather  that  fell  gracefully  over  his  military  hat,  mingled  with 
the  wilder  and  more  fanciful  head-dres.ses  of  the  chiefs.  Behind  these  again, 
and  sauntering  at  a  pace  that  showed  them  to  have  no  share  in  the  del.'bera- 
livo  assembly,  whither  those  wc  have  just  named  were  now  proceeding,  amid 
the  roar  of  artillery,  yet  mixed  together  in  nearly  as  great  disKimilarity  of 
garbj  were  to  be  seen  numbers  of  the  infei'ior  warriors  and  of  the  soldierf— 


2C 


MATiLBA   montoomerie;    or 


^whilo,  in  various  directions,  the  games  recently  abandoned  by  the  adalt  Indians 
were  now  resumed  by  mere  boys.  The  whole  picture  was  one  of  strong  ani- 
mation, contrasting  as  it  did  with  the  quiet  of  the  little  post  on  the  Island, 
where  some  twelve  or  fifteen  men,  composing  the  strength  of  the  detachment, 
\vc  sitting  or  standing  ^m  the  battery,  crowned,  as  well  as  the  fort  and  ship- 
ping, and  in  compliment  to  the  newly  arrivtd  Indians,  with  the  colors  of 
England. 

Such  was  the  scene,  varied  only  as  the  numerous  actors  in  it  varied  their 
movements,  when  the  event  occurred  with  wliich  wo  commence  onr  next 
chapter. 


CHAPTER  II. 


Several  hours  had  passed  away  in  the  interesting  discussion  of  their  war 
plans,  and  the  council  was  nearly  concluded,  when  suddenly  the  attention  both 
of  the  officers  and  chiefs  was  arreated  by  the  report  of  a  single  cannon.  From 
the  direction  of  the  sound,  it  was  evident  that  the  shot  had  been  fired  from  the 
battery  placed  on  the  southern  or  lakeward  extremity  of  the  island  of  Bois 
Blanc,  and  as  the  circumstance  was  unusual  enough  to  indicate  the  existence 
of  some  approaching  cause  for  excijfcment,  several  of  the  younger  of  both, 
who,  from  their  youth,  had  been  prevented  from  taking  any  active  share  in  tho 
deliberations  of  the  day.  stole,  successively  and  unobscrvedly.  through  the  large 
folding-doorsof  the  building,  which,  owing  to  the  great  heat  of  the  weather,  had 
been  left  open.  After  traversing  about  fifty  yards  of  sward,  intersecting  the  high 
road,  wliicli,  running  parallel  with  the  river,  ficparated  the  council-hall  from  the 
elevated  bank,  tlie  ofiiccrs  found,  collected  in  groups  on  the  extreme  verge  of 
this  latter,  and  anxiously  watching  certain  movements  in  the  baKery  opposite 
to  them,  most  of  tlic  troops  and  inferior  Indians  they  had  left  loitering  there 
at  the  commencement  of  tlic  council.  These  movements  were  hast}',  and  as 
of  men  preparing  to  repeat  the  shot,  the  report  of  which  had  reached  them 
from  the  opppositc  extremity  of  the  island.  Presently  the  forms,  hitherto 
intermingled,  became  separate  and  stationary — an  arm  of  one  was  next  extend- 
ed— then  was  seen  to  rise  a  Uash  of  light,  and  then  a  volume  of  dense  smoke. 
amid  which  tho  loud  report  found  its  sullen  way,  bellowmg  like  thuudei 
through  some  blackening  cloud,  while,  from  the  peculiar  nature  of  the  .sound, 
it  was  recognised,  by  tho  experienced  in  those  matters,  to  have  proceeded  from 
a  shotted  gun. 

The  war  of  1812  ha<l  its  beginning  in  the  manner  thus  described.  They 
were  the  first  shots  fired  in  that  struggle,  and  although  at  an  object  little  cal- 
culated to  inspire  much  alarm,  still,  as  the  first  indications  of  an  active 
hostility,  they  were  proportionably  exciting  to  those  whose  lot  it  was  thus  to 
"  break  ground,"  for  operations  on  a  larger  scale. 

Although  many  an  eager  chief  had  found  it  difficult  to  repress  the  strong 
feeling  of  mingled  curiosity  and  excitement,  that  lialf  raised  him  from  tho 
llooron  which  ho  sat,  the  first  shot  had  been  heaid  without  the  eilect  of  actu 
ally  disturbing  the  assembly  from  its  fair  propriety  ;  but  no  sooner  had  tho 
eecond  report,  accompaniin}  as  it  was  by  the  wild  yell  of  their  followers  witli- 
out,  reached  their  ears,  than,  wholly  losing  sight  of  the  dignity  attached  to 
their  position  as  councillors,  thej'  sprang  wildly  up,  and  seizing  the  weapons 
that  lay  at  their  side,  rushed  confusedly  forth,  leaving  Tecumseh,  and  two  or 
three  only  of  the  more  aged  chiefs,  behind  them.  The  debate  thus  interrupted, 
tiie  council  was  adjourned,  and  soon  afterwards  General  Brock,  accompanied 
by  his  staff,  and  conversing,  through  his  interpreter,  with  the  Shawnee 
chieftain  as  they  walked,  ai)proached  the  groups  stiil  crov/dcd  along  the  bank 
of  the  river. 

MeaawhiJc,  after  the  discharge  of  the  last  g;.n,  the  battery  on  the  island  had 


dalt  Indians 
f  strong  ani- 
1  the  Island^ 
detachment, 
art  and  ship- 
10  colors  of 

varied  their 
ice  onr  next 


of  their  war 

ttention  both 

nnon.    From 

ired  from  tho 

land  of  Bois 

the  existence 

gcr  of  both, 

sliare  in  tho 

ugh  the  large 

weather,  had 

:ting  the  high 

liall  from  tho 

me  verge  of 

^ery  opposite 

iteriiig  there 

asty,  and  as 

ached  them 

nis.  hitherto 

next  cxtend- 

ense  smoke. 

ike  thundei 

f  the  soundj 

icecded  from 

ibcd.  They 
ct  little  cai- 
>f  an  active 
was  thus  to 

s  the  strong 
n  from  tho 
ect  of  aclu 
ler  had  tho 
owcrs  with- 
attached  to 
he  weapons 
and  two  or 
interrupted, 
ccorapanied 
le  Shawnee 
ig  the  bank 

island  had 


THE     PROPHECY     FVLPILLBB. 


11 


been  quitted  by  the  officer  in  comnmntl,  who,  descending  to  tho  beach,  prece- 
ded by  two  of  his  men,  stopped  into  a  light  skiff  that  lay  chained  to  tho 
gnarled  root  of  a  tree  overhanging  the  cnircnt.  and  close  under  tho  battery, 
A  few  sturdy  strokes  of , the  oars  soon  brought  the  boat  into  the  centre  of  the 
stream,  when  the  stout,  broad-built  figure  and  carbunclofl  face  of  an  officer 
in  ine  unifonn  of  the  fort^'^-first  regiment,  were  Kuccessively  reiiognia^id,  as  ho 
stood  upright  in  thu  stern.  * 

"  What  the  deuce  Vft-ings  Tom  Raymond  to  us  in  such  a  hurry  ?  I  thoiight 
the  order  of  the  general  was  that  ho  should  on  no  account  leave  his  post,  un- 
less summoned  by  signal,"  observed  one  of  the  group  of  younger  oflicerg 
who  had  first  quitted  the  council  hall,  and  who  now  waited  with  interest  for 
the  landing  of  their  companion. 

"  What  brings  him  here,  can  you  ask  ?"  replied  one  at  the  side  of  the 
questioner,  and  with  a  solemnity  of  tone  and  manner  that  caused  the  whole 
of  the  group  to  turn  their  eyes  upon  him,  as  he  mournfully  shook  his  head. 

"  Aye,  iphut  brings  him  here  ?"  repeated  more  than  one  voice,  while  all 
closed  inquiringly  around  for  information. 

"  Why  the  thing  is  as  clear  as  the  carbtmcles  on  his  own  face — the  boat,  to 
be  sure."  And  the  truism  was  perpetrated  with  the  same  provokingly  ludi- 
crous, yet  evidently  forced,  gravity  of  tone  and  manner. 

''Execrable,  Middlemore. — Will  you  never  give  over  that  vile  habit  of 
punning  7" 

"  Detestable  !"  .said  another. 

"  Ridiculous  !"  repeated  a  third. 

"  Pshaw !  tho  worst  yo".  ever  uttered  !"  exclaimed  a  fourth,  and  each,  as  ho 
thus  expressed  himself,  turned  nwny  with  a  movement  of  impatience. 

''That  anim.'il,  Raymond,  grows  like  a  very  porpoise,"  remarked  a  young 
captain,  wlio  prilled  himself  on  the  excessive  smallness  of  his  waist.  '•  Mo- 
thinks  that,  like  the  ground-hogs  that  abound  on  his  is'iwnd.  he  must  fatten  on 
hickory  nuts.  Only  see  how  the  man  melts  in  the  noonday  sun.  But  as  yo.i 
say,  Villiers.  what  can  bring  him  here  without  nn  order  from  tho  general  i 
And  then  the  gun  last  fired.  Ila  !  I  have  it. — He  has  discovered  a  Yankee 
boat  stealing  along  through  the  other  channel.'' 

"  No  doubt  there  is  craft  of  some  description  in  the  wind"  pursued  tho 
incorrigible  Middlemore,  with  tho  same  affecterl  unconsciousness. 

"  Ila  !"  returned  Captain  Molineux,  the  officer  who  bad  commented  so  freely 
apon  the  fat  lieutenant  in  the  boat — "  Your  pun,  infamous  as  it  would  l»e  at 
the  best,  is  utterly  without  "oint  now,  for  there  has  not  been  a  breath  of  wind 
stirring  during  the  whole  morning." 

"  Pun,  did  you  say  ?"  exclaimed  Middlemore,  with  well  affected  surprise  '.t 
tho  charge,  "  my  dear  fellow,  I  meant  no  pun." 

Further  remark  was  checked  by  an  impatience  to  learn  the  cause  cf 
Lieutenant  Raymond's  abrupt  appearnnce.  mid  the  officers  approached  tlie 
principal  group.  The  former  had  n(nv  reached  tho  shore,  and.  shullling  up  the 
bank  as  fast  as  his  own  corpulency  and  the  abruptness  of  the  ascent  would 
permit,  hastened  to  the  general,  who  stood  at  some  little  distance  awaiting  tho 
expected  communication  of  tho  messenger. 

"  Well,  Mr.  Raymond,  what  is  it — what  have  you  discovered  from  youi 
post?"  demanded  the  General,  who,  with  those  around  htm,  found  difficiiity 
in  repressing  a  smile  at  the  heated  appearance  of  the  fat  subaltern,  the  loud 
puffing  of  whose  lungs  had  been  audii>le  before  ho  himself  drew  near  enoui'-h 
to  address  the  chief — *'  something  important,  I  should  imagine,  if  we  may  judge 
from  the  haste  with  which  you  appear  to  have  travelled  over  the  short  dis- 
tance that  separates  us  ?" 

''.Something  very  important.  indce<l,  Gener.al,"  answered  the  officer,  touch- 
ing his  undress  cap,  and  speaking  huskily  from  exertion  ;  '•  there  is  a  larg* 
bark,  sir,  filled  with  men,  stealing  along  shore  in  the  American  channel,  and 
I  can  SCO  nothing  of  the  gun  boat  that  should  be  stationed  there.  A  shot  wai 
fired  from  the  ea<  crn  battery,  in  tho  hope  of  bringing  her  to,  I'at,  as  tlie  gun» 


12 


MATILDA     MUNTOOMERIB:     OR, 


inoiintcd  there  arc  only  carronadcs,  the  ball  foil  short,  and  the  suspicious  look- 
ing hoat  cropt  still  closer  to  the  shorr — I  ordered  a  shot  from  my  battery  to 
ho  tried,  hut  without  success,  for.  althoufjh  within  range,  the  boat  hugs  th« 
laud  so  closely  that  it  is  impossible  to  distinguish  her  hull  with  the  naked 
eye." 

"  The  gun  boat  not  to  be  s-jen,  Mr.  Raymond  ?"  exclaimed  the  General ; 
"  h6w  is  tl\is.  and  who  is  the  olfiror  in  command  of  her?" 

'•  One,"  q)ii('kly  njoined  the  t'onimodore,  to  whom  Uic  last  query  was  ad- 
dressed, '•  whom  I  had  selected  for  that  duty  for  the  very  vigilance  and  desire 
for  service  attributed  to  him  by  my  predecessor — of  course  I  have  not  been 
hmg  enough  here,  to  have  much  personal  knowledge  of  him  myself." 

'•  Mis  name?"  asked  the  (icneral. 

"Lieutenant  Grantham." 

"  Grantham  ?"  repeated  the  General,  with  a  movement  of  surprise;  '"'It  is 
indeed  strange  that  he  should  forego  sucli  an  opj)ortunity." 

'•  Still  more  strange,"  reniarked  the  commodore,  "'  that  the  boat  he  com- 
mands should  iiave  disajipearecl  altogether.  Can  there  be  any  question  of  his 
fidelity  ?  the  Granthams  are  Canadians,  I  understand." 

"  The  general  smiled,  wWlc  the  young  oflicor  who  had  been  noticed  so  par- 
ticularly by  Tecumseli  on  his  landing,  colored  deeply. 

"  If,"  said  the  former,  ''  the  mere  circumstance  of  their  having  received  ex- 
istence amid  these  wilds  can  make  them  Canadians,  they  C((rtainly  are  Cana- 
(tians  ;  but  if  the  blood  of  a  proud  race  can  make  them  liritons,  such  they  are. 
lie  they  which  they  may,  however,  I  would  stake  my  life  on  the  lidclity  of  tho 
Granthams — still,  the  cause  of  this  young  officer's  absence  nuist  be  inquired 
into,  and  no  doubt  it  will  be  satisfactorily  explained.  Meanwhile,  let  a  second 
gunboat  be  detached  in  pursuit." 

The  commodore  having  given  the  necessary  instructions  to  a  young  mid- 
shipman, who  attende<l  him  in  the  capacity  of  an  aid-de-camp,  and  the  general 
having  dismi.ssed  Lieutenant  Raymond  back  to  his  post  on  the  island,  these 
otikers  detached  themselves  from  the  crowd,  and,  while  awaiting  the  execution 
of  the  order,  engaged  in  earnest  conversation. 

'•Ry  Jove,  the  conunodore  is  quite  right  in  his  observation,"  remarked  the 
ycmig  and  a'fectcd  looking  ollicer,  who  had  been  so  profuse  in  his  witticisms 
on  the  corpulency  of  Lieutenant  Raymond  ;  '"  the  general  m.ay  say  what  he  vviR 
in  their  favor,  but  this  is  the  result  of  entrusting  so  important  ii  command  t« 
a  Canadian." 

"  What  do  you  mean,  sir?"  hastily  demanded  one  even  younger  than  niir> 
Kcif — it  was  the  youth  already  named,  whose  uniform  attested  him  to  Oc  i 
brotlver  olKcer  of  the  speaker.  lie  had  been  absent  for  a  few  minutes,  htM 
only  now  rejoined  his  companions,  in  time  to  hear  the  remark  which  hao  jdsl 
been  uttered. 

"What  do  you  mean.  Captain  ^lolincux?"  he  continued,  his  i.a,k  eye 
flasiiing  indignation,  and  his  downy  cheek  crimsoning  with  warmth.  "  Why 
this  remark  before  me,  sir.  and  wherefore  this,  reflection  on  tha  Canadians?" 

"  Why  really,  Mr  Grantham."  somewhat  sententiously  drawitd  che  captain  ; 
"I  do  not  altogether  understand  your  right  to  question  in  thiM  lone — nor  .am 
I  accountable  for  any  observations  I  may  make.  Let  mo  tehyou.  moreover." 
"that  it  will  neither  be  wise  nor  prudent  in  you^  lufMng  oten  received  into  a 
Briti*jh  regiment  to  become  the  Don  Quixotte  of  your  cyimlrymcn." 

"  /iccciced  into  a  British  regiment,  sir!  do  you  then  imagine  that  I,  more 
than  yourself,  should  feel  this  a  distinction,"  haugijtiiy  rc-tiirned  the  indignant 
youth.  '■  But,  gentlemen,  your  pardon,"  checking  nin.self  and  glancing  at  the 
rest  of  tlio  group,  who  were  silent  wit'iesscs  of  the  scene;  "  I  confess  I  do  feel 
the  distinction  of  being  admitted  into  so  gAl'anc  t*  corps — this  in  a  way,  how- 
ever, that  must  be  common  to  us  ah.  H'j;aiii  1  ask,  Captain  Molineux," 
tuining  to  that  oflicer,  "  the  tendency  of  the  observations  you  have  publicly 
made  in  regard  to  my  brother." 

••  i'our  question,  Mr.  Graham  rf'igat,  v.ith  as  much  propriety,  bcaddrcsscj 


::ion3  look- 
battery  to 
t  hugs  thfl 
the  naked 

I  General ; 

ry  was  ad- 
and  dcsiro 
e  not  been 


ise: 


'•'  It  ia 


lat  he  com- 
slion  of  his 

ced  so  par- 

cceived  cx- 
r  are  Cana- 
h  they  are. 
Iclity  of  the 
DC  inquired 
lot  a  second 

>^oung  mid- 
the  general 
sland,  tliesc 
e  execution 

narked  the 

witticisms 

liat  he  wiR 

omtnand  i% 

than  Him- 
im  to  Oc  i 
initcs,  u.i\i 
oh  iMCi  jusi 

{iX.k  eve 
I..  "  Why 
aiifidians?" 
he  captain ; 
u; — nor  am 
moreover." 
cMvcd  into  a 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


13 


hat  I.  more 
c  indignant 
ncing  at  tho 
'ss  1  do  feel 
,  way,  hovv- 
Moiineux," 
vc  publiclj' 

ic  addressed 


fo  any  other  person  in  tho  full  enjoyment  of  his  senses,  whojn  you  see  hero, 
since  it  is  the  general  topie  of  conversation  ;  htit,  as  you  seem  to  require  an 
answer  from  me  particularly,  you  sliall  have  it.  My  remark  referred  to  tho 
absence  of  the  officer  in  charge  of  tlie  gun-boat  from  the  station  allotted  to 
him,  at  a  moment  when  an  arined  vessel  of  the  enemy  i.s  in  sight.  Is  this  tha 
fact,  or  is  it  not  ?" 

"  iiy  which  rcirark,"  returned  the  other,  "  you  would  imply  that  suKl  ofSoer 
is  either  guilty  of  gross  neglect  or — " 

"  I  draw  no  inferences,  Mr.  Grantham,  but  even  if  I  did,  I  should  be  mora 
borne  out  by  circumstances  than  you  imagine." 

"It  is  pltiin  you  would  insinuate  that  my  brother  shuns  the  cne-ny,  Captaia 
Molineux — You  shall  answer  to  me  for  this  insult,  sir." 

"  As  you  please,  Mr.  Grantham,  but  on  one  condition  only." 

"  Name  it,  sir,  name  it,"  said  the  young  oflicer  qiiickly. 

"That  it  is  satisfactorily  proved  your  brother  has  not  shunned  the  esoiny." 

Bitter  feelings  swelled  the  heart  of  the  enthusiastic  Grantham,  as  uncon- 
sciously touching  the  hilt  of  his  sword,  he  replied :  "  If  your  hope  of  avoidance 
rest  on  this,  sir,  it  will  be  found  to  hang  upon  a  very  thread  indeed." 

The  attention  of  tho  group  where  thi*<  unpleasant  scene  had  occurred,  and 
indeed  of  all  parties,  was  now  diverted  by  tho  sudden  appearance  of  tho 
American  boat,  as,  shooting  past  the  head  of  the  island,  which  had  hitherto 
concealed  her  from  the  view  of  the  assembled  crowds,  her  spars  and  white 
Kails  became  visible  in  the  far  distance.  A  slight  and  favorable  breeze,  blow- 
ing oif  the  si  .i;  which  she  still  closely  hugged,  had  now  apparently  .sprung 
up,  and,  spreading  all  her  canvass,  she  was  evidently  making  every  effort  to 
pet  beyond  the  reach  of  the  battery  (whither  Lieutenant  Raymond  had  re- 
turned), under  whose  range  she  was  unavoidably  impelled  by  the  very  wind 
that  favored  her  advance.  Owing  to  some  temporary  difficulty,  the  gun-boat, 
just  ordered  by  the  commodore  to  follow  in  pursuit,  was  longer  than  suited 
the  emergency  in  getting  under  way,  and  when  she  had  succeeded  in  so  doing, 
nearly  half  an  hour  elapsed  before,  owing  to  the  utter  absence  of  wind,  a.s 
well  as  the  rapidity  of  the  current,  she  could  be  brought  by  the  aid  of  her 
long  and  cumbrous  sweeps  to  clear  the  head  of  the  island.  The  American, 
now  discovered  to  have  a  small  detachment  of  troops  oti  board,  had  by  thU 
time  succeeded  in  getting  out  of  the  range  of  a  fire,  which  although  well 
directed  hail  proved  harmless,  and,  using  every  exertion  of  oar  and  sail,  bade 
fair,  favored  as  she  was  by  the  breeze  which  reached  not  the  canva.s.s  of  her 
enemy,  to  elfect  her  escape. 

Concern  sat  on  every  brow,  and  was  variously  expressed — loud  yells  mark- 
ing the  lierce  disappointment  of  the  Indians,  and  undisguised  murmurs  that 
of  the  more  disciplined  troops.  Coupled  with  this  feel. ng,  among  the  ofHcers 
at  least,  naturally  arose  the  recollection  of  him  to  whose  app-irent  neglect 
this  escape  of  the  enemy  was  to  be  attributed,  until  at  length  the  conduct  of 
Lieutenant  Grantham  was  canvassed  generally,  and  with  a  freedom  little  in- 
ferior to  that  which,  falling  from  the  lips  of  Capt*ain  Molinex,  had  so  pained 
his  sensitive  brother — with  this  difference,  however,  that  in  this  instance  they 
were  the  candidly  expressed  opinions  of  men  arraigning  the  conduct  of  one  of 
their  feJIows  apparently  guilty  of  a  gross  dereliction  from  duty,  and  not,  as  in 
in  the  former  they  had  seemed  to  be,  with  any  ungenerous  allu;$ion  to  his 
fidelity. 

Warmly,  and  therefore  audibly,  commented  on  as  was  the  unaccountable 
absence  of  the  oflicer,  by  individuals  of  almost  every  rank,  it  was  impossible 
that  man}'  of  those  observations  could  escape  the  attention  of  the  cxcitetl 
Henry  Grantham.  Mortified  beyond  measure  at  the  fact,  yet  unable,  as  he 
had  done  before,  to  stand  forth  the  champion  of  his  brother's  honor,  where 
all  (with  a  very  few  exceptions,  among  whom  he  had  the  consolation  to  find 
the  general)  were  united  in  opinion  against  him.  his  situation  was  most  pain- 
ful. Not  that  he  entertained  the  remotest  doubt  of  his  brother  Ix'aring  him* 
tte'f  harmles.sly  through  the  ordeal,  but  that  liis  genercus,  yet  haughty  s{>rinit^ 


u 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;    OR, 


conid  ill  cndnra  the  thought  of  any  human  being  daring  to  (/icrish,  much  losit 
to  cast  the  slightest  aspersion  on  his  blood. 

Finding  it  vain  to  oppose  himself  to  the  torrent  of  openly  expressed  opin- 
ion, tlic  niortided  youth  withdrew  to  a  distance,  and,  hastening  among  tho 
rude  tumuli  we  have  deiicril)ed,  as  being  scattered  about  the  edge  of  tho  bank, 
stood  watching,  with  folded  arms  and  heaving  chest,  the  gradually  receding 
bark  3f  the  enemy.  Alternately,  as  he  thus  gazed,  his  dark  eye  now  flashed 
with  the  indignation  of  wounded  pride,  now  dilated  with  the  exulting  con- 
Bciounness  of  coming  triumph.  The  assiuancc  was  strong  within  him,  not 
only  that  his  brother  would  soon  make  his  appearance  before  the  assembled 
proups  who  had  had  the  cruelty'  to  impugn  his  conduct,  but  that  he  would 
do  so  under  circumstsii»o«,o  calculated  to  change  their  warm  censure  into  even 
more  vehement  applause.  Fully  impressed  with  the  integrity  of  his  absent 
relative,  the  impetuous  and  generous  hearted  youth  paused  not  to  reflect  that 
circumstances  were  such  as  to  justify  the  belief — or  at  least  the  doubt — that 
had  been  expressed,  even  by  the  most  impartial  of  those  who  had  condemned 
liim.  It  seemed  to  him  that  others  ought  to  have  known  and  judged  him  as 
he  himself  did,  and.  he  took  a  secret  delight  in  dwelling  on  t>ie  self-reproach 
which  he  conceived  would  attach  to  them,  when  it  should  be  ibund  how  erro- 
neous had  been  the  estimate  formed  of  his  character. 

While  he  thus  gazed,  with  eyes  intently  bent  upon  the  river,  and  manifest- 
ing even  a  deeper  interest  as  the  fleeing  bark  drew  momentarily  nearer  to 
oue  particular  point  in  the  distance,  the  young  ofBcer  heard  footsteps  ap- 
proaching him.  Hastily  dashing  away  a  tear  which  had  been  called  up  by  a 
varietj'  of  emotions,  he  turned  and  beheld  the  Chieftain  Tecumseh,  and  with 
liim  one  who,  in  the  full  uniform  of  the  British  Stalf,  united,  in  his  tall  and 
jtortly  ligure,  the  martial  bearing  of  the  soldier  to  the  more  polished  graces  of 
the  habitual  courtier. 

''  Henry,  my  noble  boy,"  exclaimed  the  latter,  as  he  pressed  the  hand  of  the 
youth,  "you  must  not  yield  to  these  feelings.  I  have  marked  your  impatience 
at  the  observations  caused  by  Gerahl's  strange  absence,  but  T  have  brought 
you  one  who  is  too  partial  to  you  both  to  join  in  the  condemnation.  I  have 
explained  every  thing  to  him.  and  he  it  was  who,  remarking  you  to  be  alone, 
and  suspecting  the  cause,  first  proposed  coming  to  rouse  you  from  your 
reverie." 

Adectionately  answering  the  grasp  of  his  noble  looking  uncle,  Henry  Gran- 
tham turned  at  the  same  time  his  eloquent  eye  upon  that  of  the  chieftain,  and, 
in  a  few  brief  but  expressive  sentences,  conveyed,  in  tho  language  of  the 
warrior,  the  gratification  he  experienced  in  his  unchanged  confidence  in  the 
absent  officer. 

As  he  concluded,  with  a  warmth  of  manner  that  delighted  him  to  whom  ho 
addressed  himself,  their  hands  met  for  the  third  time  that  day.  Tecumseh  at 
length  replied,  by  pointing  significantly  to  the  canoes  which  still  lay  floating  on 
the  river,  unemptied  of  their  warriors,  stating  at  the  SJinje  time,  that  had  not 
liis  confidence  In  his  young  friend  been  unbounded,  he  would  long  since  Iiave 
despatched  those  canoes  in  pursuit  ;  but  he  was  unwilling  the  officer  should 
lose  asy  of  the  credit  that  must  attach  to  the  capture.  I  know;"  he  concluded, 
'•  where  h?  is  lying  like  the  red  skin  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  Be  patient, 
and  we  shall  soon  see  Iwra. " 

Before  Henry  Grantham  could  find  time  to  inquire  if  the  place  of  ambush 
was  not  tho  same  to  which  his  own  hopes,  induced  by  his  perfect  knowledge 
of  localities,  had,  throughout,  pointed  as  the  spot  most  likely  to  conceal 
the  hitherto  invisible  gun  boat,  his  attention,  and  that  of  his  immediate  com- 
panion, was  drawn  to  a  scene  that  carried  a  glow  of  exultation  to  the  bosonns 
of  them  all. 

The  American  boat,  long  since  out  of  range  of  the  battery,  and  scudding 
with  a  speed  that  mocked  the  useless  exertions  of  those  on  board  of  the  second 
pun  boat,  who  coiiW  with  diffioulty  impel  her  through  the  powerful  eddy 
formed  by  the  tuiand,  had  bsen  gradually  edging  from  her  own  shore  icto  tha 


THE     PROPHECY     PULFILLBD. 


Iftr 


brought 


centre  of  the  stream.  This  movement,  however,  had  the  effect  •(  rendering 
hei'  more  distinguishable  to  the  eye,  breasting,  as  she  did,  the  rapid  stream, 
as  while  hu<rging  the  land,  even  when  much  nearer,  she  had  been  confound- 
ed with  the  dark  line  of  brushwood  which  connected  thcforcst  with  the  shore. 
She  had  now  arrived  opposite  a  neck  of  land  beyond  which  ran  a  narrow",  deep 
creek,  the  existence  of  which  was  known  only  to  few,  and  here  it  chanced  that 
in  the  exultation  of  escape,  they  gave  a  cheer  that  was  echoed  back  from  either 
shore,  hoisting  at  the  same  moment  the  American  colors.  Scarcel}',  however, 
had  tbi«  cheer  been  uttered,  when  a  second  and  more  aniniatinp:,  was  heard 
from  a  different  point,  and  presently*,  dashing  into  the  river,  and  apparently 
issuing  from  the  very  heart  of  the  woorJ,  M'as  to  be  seen  The  gun-boat,  which 
had  been  the  subject  of  so  much  conversation,  every  stitch  of  her  white  can- 
vass bellying  from  the  masts,  and  her  dark  piow  buried  in  a  wreath  of  foam 
created  by  her  own  speed.  As  she  neared  the  American  a  column  of  smoke, 
followed  a  .second  or  two  later  by  a  dull  report,  rose  from  her  bows,  enveloping 
her  a  moment  from  the  view,  and  when  next  visible  she  was  rapidly  gaining 
on  the  chase.  The  yells  of  the  Indiau.s  and  the  hurrahs  of  the  soldiers  gave 
an  indescribable  animation  to  the  scene. 

This  was  indeed  a  moment  of  proud  triumph  to  the  heart  of  Henry  Gran- 
tham, lie  saw  his  brother  not  only  freed  from  every  ungenerous  imputation, 
but  placed  in  a  situation  to  win  to  himself  thfe  first  laurels  that  were  to  be 
plucked  in  the  approaching  strife.  The  "  Canadian,"  as  he  imagined  he  had 
been  superciliously  termecl,  would  be  the  first  to  reap  for  Britain's  sons  tho 
fruits  of  a  war  in  which  those  latter  were  not  only  the  most  prominent  actors, 
but  also  the  most  interested.  Already,  in  the  enthusiasm  of  his  imagination, 
lie  pictured  to  himself  the  honor  and  promotion,  which  bestowed  upon  his 
gallant  brother,  would  be  reflected  upon  himself,  and,  in  the  deep  excitement 
of  his  feelings,  he  could  not  avoid  saying  aloud,  heedless  of  the  presence  of  his 
uncle : 

"  Now,  Captain  Molineux,  j'our  only  difficulty  is  removed — my  brother  has 
revenged  himself.  AVith  me  you  will  have  an  account  t-j  settle  on  my-own 
score." 

"  What  do  you  mean,  Henry  ?"  seriously  inquired  Colonel  D'Egvillc ; 
*'  surely  you  have  not  been  imprudent  enough  to  engage  in  a  quarrel  with 
one  of  your  brother  officeBB." 

Henry  briefly  recountca  the  conversation  which  had  taken  place  betweeo 
Captain  Molineux  and  himself. 

'*  Far  be  it  from  my  intention  to  check  the  nice  sense  of  honor  which  should 
be  inherent  in  the  breast  of  every  soldier,"  returned  his  uncle  impressively, 
"  but  3'ou  are  too  sensitive,  Henry ;  Captain  Molineux,  who  is,  moreover,  a 
very  young  man,  may  not  have  expressed  himself  in  the  most  guarded  man- 
ner, but  he  only  repeated  what  I  have  been  compelled  to  hear  myself — and 
from  persons  not  only  older,  but  much  higher  in  rank.  Take  my  advice, 
therefore,  and  let  the  matter  rest  where  it  is  ;  Gerald,  you  see,  has  given  the 
most  practical  denial  to  any  observations  which  have  been  uttered  of  a  nature 
derogatory  to  his  honor." 

'  True,"  quicklj'  returned  tho  youth,  with  a  flushing  check,  "  Gerald  is 
sufficiently  avenged,  but  you  forget  the  taunt  he  uttered  against  Canadians !" 

"And  if  he  did  utter  such  taunt,  why  acknowledge  it  as  such  ?"  calmly  re- 
joined Colonel  D'Egville ;  '"are  you  ashamed  of  the  name?  I  too  am  a 
Canadian,  but  so  far  from  endeavoring  to  repudiate  my  American  birth,  I  feel 
pride  in  having  received  my  being  in  a  land  where  everything  attests  tho 
sublimity  and  magnificence  of  nature.  liook  around  you,  my  nephew,  and  ask 
vowrself  what  there  is  in  the  wild  grandeur  of  those  .scenes  to  disown.  But, 
ha !" — as  he  cast  his  eyes  upon  the  water — "  I  fear  Gerald  will  lose  his  prize 
after  all  ;  the  enemy  is  giving  him  the  Indian  double." 

During  the  foregoing  short  conversation,  an  important  change  had  been 
effected  in  the  position  of  the  adverse  boats.  The  ttliot  tired,  apparently  with 
the  view  of  bringing  the  enemy  to,  had  produced  no  favorable  result  j  but  uo 


10 


MATILDA     MONTOOMKRIB 


UR, 


Kooner  had  llio  n^im-hofit  romc  (ibrcast  of  thn  chiise,  than  the  latter,  suddenl/ 
clewiuor  up  ht'i-  sails,  put  her  lielm  nhout.  and  plyinp;  every  oar  with  an  exer- 
tion propurt.oncd  to  the  emcrsrcncy,  inatlc  rapidly  for  the  coast  she  had  re- 
rently  left.  The  intention  of  tlie  crew  was  evidently  to  abandon  the  unarmed 
boat,  and  to  seek  safety  in  the  woods.  Urged  by  the  rapidity  of  her  own 
course,  the  c;nn-boat  luul  shot  considerably  ahead,  and  when  at  length  she  also 
was  put  about,  the  breeze  blew  so  immediately  in  her  teeth  that  it  was 
found  impossible  to  regain  the  advantage  which  had  been  lost.  Meanwhile, 
the  American  continued  her  flight,  making  directly  for  the  land,  with  a  rapidity 
that  promised  fair  to  balHe  every  exertion  on  the  part  of  her  pursuer.  The 
moment  was  one  of  intense  interest  to  the  crowd  of  spectators  who  lined  the 
bank.  At  cacli  instant  it  was  expected  the  fire  of  the  gun-boat  would  open 
upon  the  fugitives;  but  although  this  was  obviously  the  course  to  be  adopted, 
it  being  aparent  a  singlo  shot  was  sufficient  to  sink  her — not  a  flash  was 
visible — not  a  report  was  heard.  Presently,  however,  while  the  disappoint- 
ment of  the  spectators  from  the  bank  .vas  rising  into  murmurs,  a  skiff  fdled 
with  men  was  seen  to  pull  from  the  gun-boat  in  the  direction  taken  by  the 
chase,  which  was  speedily  hidden  from  view  by  the  point  of  land  from  which 
the  latter  had  previously  been  observed  torssue.  Behind  this  her  piu'suer  also 
disappeared,  and  after  a  lapse  of  a  few  minutes,  pistol  and  musket  shots  wero 
distinguished,  although  they  came  but  faintly  on  the  ear.  These  gradually 
became  more  frequent  and  less  distinct,  until  suddenly  there  was  a  profound 
pause — then  three  cheers  were  fomtly  heard — and  all  again  was  still. 


CHAPTER  III. 


A  FULL  half  hour  had  succeeded  to  these  sounds  of  conflict,  and  3'ct 
nothfng  could  be  seen  of  the  contending  boats.  Doubt  and  anxiety  now  took 
the  place  of  the  confidence  that  had  hitherto  animated  the  bosoms  of  the 
Bpectators,  and  even  Henry  Grantham — hi:i  heart  throbbing  painfidly  with 
emotions  induced  by  suspense — knew  not  M-hat  inference  to  draw  from  the 
fact  of  his  brother's  protracted  absence.  Could  (j^  be  that  the  American, 
defended  as  she  was  by  a  small  force  of  armed  men,  had  succeeded,  not  only 
in  defeating  the  aim  of  her  pursuer,  but  also  in  capturing  her.  Such  a  result 
was  not  impossible.  The  enemy  against  whom  they  had  to  contend  yielded  to 
none  in  bravery ;  and  as  the  small  bark  which  had  quitted  the  gun-boat  was 
not  one  third  of  the  size  of  that  which  they  pursued,  it  followed  of  necessitj-, 
that  the  assailants  must  be  infinitely  weaker  in  numbers  than  the  assailed. 
Still  no  signal  of  alarm  was  made  by  the  gun-boat,  which  continued  to  lie  to, 
apparently  in  expectation  of  the  return  of  the  detached  portion  of  her  crew. 
Grantham  knew  enough  of  his  brother's  character  to  feel  satisfied  that  he  was 
in  the  absent  boat,  and  yet  it  was  impossible  to  suppose  that  one  so  imbued 
with  the  spirit  of  generous  enterprise  should  have  succumbed  to  his  enemy, 
after  a  contest  of  so  short  duration,  as,  from  the  number  of  shots  heard,  this 
had  appeared  to  be.  That  it  was  terminated,  there  could  be  no  doubt.  Tho 
cheers,  which  had  been  followed  by  an  universal  silence,  had  given  evidence 
of  this  Tact  ;  yet  why,  in  that  case,  if  his  brother  had  been  victorious,  was  ho 
not  already  on  his  return  ?  Appearances,  on  the  other  hand,  seemed  to  in- 
duce an  nnpression  of  his  defeat.  Tho  obvious  course  of  the  enemy,  if 
Buocessful,  was  to  abandon  their  craft,  cut  off  from  escape  by  the  gun-boat 
without,  and  to  make  the  best  of  their  way  through  the  woods,  to  their  place 
of  destination,  the  American  fort  of  Detroit — and,  as  neither  party  was  visibk:, 
it  was  to  be  feared  this  object  had  been  accomphshed. 

The  minds  of  all  were  more  or  less  influenced  by  these  doubts,  but  that  of 
Henry  Grantham  wr«."  especially  disturbed.  From  the  first  appearance  of  tho 
gua-boat  his  spirits  had  resumed  their  usual  tou«,  for  he  had  looked  upon  ttia 


suddenly 
i  an  oxcr- 
e  had  ro- 
!  unarmed 
'  her  own 
:h  she  also 
lat  it  was 
Icanwhile, 
a  rapidity 
ner.  The 
)  lined  the 
rould  open 
c  adopted. 

flash  was 
lisaopoint- 
skiti"  filled 
ten  by  the 
rom  wliich 
u'suer  also 
shots  wero 

gradually 
I  profound 
11. 


;t,  and  yet 
now  took 
)ms  of  the 
nfully  with 
V  from  the 
American, 
,  not  only 
ch  a  result 
yielded  to 
i-boat  was 
necessitj', 
le  assailed. 
;d  to  lie  to, 
her  crew, 
lat  he  was 
so  imbued 
his  enemy, 
icurd.  this 
•ubt.     Tho 
n  evidence 
us,  was  ho 
med  to  in- 
enemy,  if 
gtin-boat 
their  place 
ras  visible, 

lut  that  of 
inceof  the 
upon  tlia 


THE     fROPHKCy     FULFIL LK».  '»• 

Bccinj;  bsrk  as  tJie  certain  prize  of  his  brother,  whose  conquost  was  to  afford 
the  flattest  denial  to  the  insinuation  that  hnd  bi-en  urtjud  airainst  him.  Moin. 
over,  his  youthfn>  pride  had  exulted  in  tho  refk-ntion  tl-at  the  first  halo  of  vie 
toiy  would  play  around  the  brow  of  one  for  whom  Ik  could  have  made  i-vory 
personal  sacriiice  ;  and  now,  to  have  those  fair  anticipations  clouded  at  i;h» 
very  moment  when  he  was  expoctin^  their  fullest  accomplishment,  wast 
almrst  unendurable.  He  felt,  also,  that,  although  his  rt-Noliition  was  thuc 
made  to  stand  prominently  forth,  the  prudence  of  his  brother  would  assuredly 
be  called  in  question,  for  having;  ^ivcn  chase  with  so  iufc  rior  a  force,  wlien  a 
Binp;le  gun  fire<l  into  his  enemy  must  have  stink  her.  In  the  impatience  of  hi.>» 
feclinp;s,  the  excited  young  soldier  could  not  refrain  from  addini:;  his  own  cen- 
sure of  the  imprudence,  exclaimin';,  as  he  played  his  foot  nervously  upon  tho 
f;round :  ''  Whv  the  devil  did  lie  not  lire  and  sink  her,  instead  of  following  in 
that  nutshell  ?" 

While  he  was  yet  giviuf;  utterance  to  his  disappointment,  a  hasty  excla- 
m.ationmet  his  ear  frcim  the  cliieftain  at  liis  side,  who,  placin|^  one  hand  on  tho 
shoulder  of  the  ofTicor,  with  a  familiar  and  mcauina;  gra  p,  pointed,  with  the 
fore-lin,!2:er  of  the  other,  in  tVio  direction  in  vhich  the  boats  ha<l  disappearwl. 
IJefore  Grantham's  eye  could  follow,  nn  exuUiiii;  yell  from  the  distant  masscn 
of  Indians  Announced  an  advantage  that  was  .soon  made  obvious  to  all.  The 
.small  dark  boat  of  the  pursuing  party  was  now  seen  issuing  from  behind  tho 
point,  and  pulling  slowly  towards  the  gun-boat.  In  tlie  cour.sc  of  a  miniito 
or  two  afterwards  appeared  the  American,  evidently  following  in  the  wake  of 
the  former,  .and  attached  by  a  tow-line  to  her  stern.  Tlie  yell  pealed  forth  by 
the  Indians  when  the  second  boat  came  in  view,  was  deafening  in  tho  extreme; 
and  everything  became  commotion  along  tho  bank,  while  the  little  fleet  of 
canoes,  which  still  lay  resting  on  the  beach,  put  olT  one  after  the  other  to  the 
scene  of  action. 

Meanwhile,  both  objects  had  gained  the  side  of  the  gun-boat,  which,  favored 
by  a  partial  .'shifting  of  the  wind,  now  pursuetl  her  cour.'^e  down  the  river  with 
expanded  sails.  Attached  to  her  stern,  and  following  at  quarter  cable  dis- 
tance, was  to  be  .seen  her  prize,  from  which  the  pri.'^onei.-;  had  been  removed. 

Informed  of  the  success  which  had  crowned  the  enterprise  of  their  olli(M3r, 
the  crews  of  the  several  vessels  in  the  harbor  swelled  the  crowd  assembled  on 
the  bank  near  the  fort,  to  wliich  point  curiosity  and  a  feeling  of  interest  had 
moreover  broiight  man}-  of  the  town's  people,  so  that  the  scene  finally  bccamo 
one  of  great  animation. 

The  gun-boat  had  now  arrived  opposite  the  fort,  when  tlie  small  bark,  which 
had  recently  been  used  in  pursuit,  was  again  drawn  up  to  the  qiiarter.  Into 
thi.s,  to  the  surpri.se  of  all,  was  first  lowered  a  female,  hitherto  unob:-;erved  ; 
next  followed  an  officer  in  the  blue  uniform  of  the  United  Stat,os  regular 
army  ;  then  another  individual,  who.se  garb  announced  him  as  being  of  the 
militia,  and  whose  rank  as  an  ofiicer  was  only  distinguishable  from  the  cock- 
ade surmounting  his  round  hat,  and  an  ornamented  dagger  thrust  into  a  red 
morocco  belt  encircling  his  waist.  After  these  came  the  light  and  elegant 
form  of  one,  habited  in  the  undress  of  a  Briti'^h  nav.al  ofiicer,  who,  with  one  .arm 
supported  by  a  black  silk  handkerchief,  evidently  taken  from  his  tliroat,  and 
suspended  from  his  neck,  and  with  the  other  grasping  the  tiller  of  the  rudder, 
Btood  upright  in  the  boat,  which,  urged  by  six  stout  rowers,  now  stood  at  Itis 
command  towards  the  landing  ])lace.  above  wh-ch  lingered,  surrounded  by 
several  officers  of  either  service.  General  Brock  and  Commodore  Barclay. 

'■  Well,  Commodore,  what  think  you  of  your  Lieutenant  now  ?"  observed 
the  former  to  his  friend  ;  "  the  young  Canadian  yon  must  arlmit,  has  nobly 
redeemed  my  pledge.  On  the  .score  of  hi,s  fidelity  there  could  exist  no  doubt, 
and  as  for  his  courage,  you  see,"  pointing  to  the  young  man's  arm,  "  his  con- 
quest has  not  been  bloodless  to  himself,  at  least." 

'•  With  all  my  .soul  do  I  di.sclaim  the  wrong  I  have  done  him,"  was  the  em- 
phatic and  generous  rejoinder.  "  He  is,  indeed,  a  spirited  youth  ;  and  well 
«rorthy  of  the  favorable  report  which  led  me  to  entrust  him  with  the  con*- 


18 


MATILDA    MONTOOXERIB;     ORf 


numl — moreover  ho  has  an  easy  cn'ace  of  carrian;e  which  pleased  and  intorefljj 
nil!  in  liis  fiivor.  when  I  first  saw  him.     Kven  now,  ohservc  liow  cc/iirtcouslj 
he  bends  himself  to  the  car  of  his  female  prisoner,  as  if  to  encouraj^c  her  with 
words  of  assurance,  tliat  she  may  sustain  the  presence  and  yells  of  these  cl*- 
inorous  beinj^s." 

The  boat  had  now  reached  the  beach,  hut  the  difTiculty  of  effectinn;  a  pa»- 
roge,  through  the  band  of  wild  Indians  that  ciowded,  yellini?,  in  every  directioji, 
to  take  a  nearer  view  of  the  prisoners,  would,  perhaps,  have  proved  insur- 
mountable, had  it  not  been  fur  the  interference  of  one  who  alone  possessed 
the  secret  of  restraining  their  lawlessness,  Tecnniseh  hnd  descended  to  the 
beach,  eager  to  be  the  first  to  congratulate  his  young  friend.  Ho  pressed  tho 
liand  promptly  extended  to  receive  his,  and  then,  at  a  single  word,  made  those 
give  way  whose  presence  impeded  the  landing  of  the  party. 

Pursuing  their  way  up  tho  ruilo  steps  by  which  Lieutenant  Raymond  had 
previously  descended,  the  little  band  of  prisoners  .soon  stood  in  I'hc  presence 
Df  the  group  as.sembled  to  receive  them.     On  alighting  from  the  boat,-  tho 

ii'outhfid  captor  had  been  seen  to  make  the  tender  of  his  uninjured  arm  to  the 
ady,  who,  however,  had  rejected  it,  with  a  movement,  seemingly  of  indignant 
surprise,  clinging  in  the  .same  moment  to  her  more  elderly  comj)anion.  A 
titter  among  the  younger  officers,  at  Gerald  Grantham's  expense  had  followed 
this  nyection  of  his  proffered  arm. 

Tho  young  .sailor  was  the  first  to  gain  the  summit  of  the  bank.  Respect- 
fully touching  his  hat,  and  pointing  to  the  captives,  who  followed  a  few  pace» 
in  his  rear: 

"  General — Commodore,"  he  observed,  his  cheek  flushing  with  a  conscious 
nass  of  the  gratifying  position  in  which  he  stood,  ''  I  have  the  honor  to  present 
to  you  the  first  fruits  of  your  good  fort<ine.     This  gentleman,"  pointing  to 
the  elder  officer,  "  is  the  commaiwior  of  the  party,  and  the  lady  I  believe 
U " 

"  Certainly  a  non-combatniit  on  this  occasion,"  interrupted  the  General, 
raising  his  plumed  hat,  and  bowing  to  the  party  alluded  to  ;  "  Gentlemen,"  ho 
j)nrsued,  addi'e.ssing  the  two  officers,  "  I  am  worry  we  do  not  meet  exactly  on 
the  terms  to  which  we  have  so  long  been  accustomed  ;  but,  although  the  for- 
tune of  war  hns  made  you  rather  unwilling  guests  in  the  present  instance,  tho 
rites  of  hospitality  shall  not  be  the  less  observed.  But  Mr.  Grantham,  you 
have  forgotten  to  introduce  these  officers  by  name." 

"  I  plead  guilty,  General,  but  the  truth  is  I  have  neglected  to  make  tho  in- 
quiry myself" 

"  Major  Montgomerie,  sir.  of  the  United  States  Infantry,"  interposed  the 
elderly  officer,  completely  sot  at  his  ease  by  the  affable  and  attentive  manner 
of  the  British  leader.     "  This  young  lady  is  my  niece." 

Again  the  general  slightly,  but  courteouslj--,  bowed.  "  I  will  not.  Major 
Montgomerie,  pay  you  the  ill  timed  compliment  of  expressing  pleasure  in  see- 
hig  you  on  an  occasion  like  the  present,  since  wc  must  unquestionably  consider 
you  a  pri.soner  of  war ;  but  if  tho  yotmg  lady  your  niece,  has  any  desire  to 
continue  her  journo}'  to  Detroit.  I  shall  feel  pleasure  in  forwarding  her  thither 
under  a  flag  of  truce." 

"I  thank  you  much,  General,  for  this  mark  of  your  attention,"  returned 
(he  American ;  '•  but  I  think  I  may  venture  to  answer  for  my  niece,  that  sho 
•will  prefer  remaining  with  me." 

"  Not  so,  sir  ;"  said  a  voice  deep  but  femininely  soft.  "■  General,"  she  con- 
tinued, throwing  aside  her  veil,  which  had  hitherto  concealed  features  palo 
even  to  wanness,  ''  I  have  the  strongest — the  most  urgent  reasons — for  tho 
prosecution  of  my  journey,  and  gladly  do  I  accept  your  offer." 

The  earnest  manner  of  her  address  struck  every  hearer  with  surprise,  con* 
frasting  as  it  did,  with  the  unchanging  coldness  of  her  look  ;  but  the  matte/ 
was  a  source  of  serious  concern  to  her  uncle.  lie  regarded  her  with  an  aur 
of  astonisjhment.  not  unmixed  with  displeasure* 


nJ  interest 
•  courtcovjsU 
■iifje  her  with 
of  thoso  cl*- 

Fectinp;  a  pap- 
ery direction, 
•roved  insur- 
•no  possessed 
ccnded  to  the 
0  pressed  tho 
d,  made  those 

Raymond  had 
I'iic  prcscnco 
tlie  boat,-  tho 
ed  arm  to  th« 
\f  of  indignant 
nnpanion.  A 
u  had  followed 

nk.     Rcspcct- 
>d  a  few  pace* 

h  a  consciona 
nor  to  present 
"  pcintinp;  tx> 
ady  I  believe 

tlie  General, 
cntlcmen,"  ho 
eet  exactly  on 
loiij^h  the  for- 
instancc,  tho 

rantham.  you 

)  make  the  in- 
interposed  tho 
cntive  manner 

ill  not,  Major 
easure  in  see- 
iiably  consider 
any  desire  to 
na;  her  thither 

on,"  returned 
litcc,  that  sho 

iral,"  she  con- 
features  palu 
sons — for  tho 

surprise,  con* 
jut  the  matter 
er  with  au  aitT 


THR     PROPHECY     FULFILLL9. 


1» 


"  Ilow  is  this,  Matilda,"  he  asked  ;  "  after  having  travelled  tlms  far  into  the 
lionrt  oflliis  disturhc«I  district  would  you  now  leave  me?" 

"  Major  Montjiomcrio,"  she  pursued,  somewhat  impatiently,  "  wo  arc  in  thf 
prrsence  of  stranjiers,  to  whom  this  discussion  must  be  uninteresting—  Jiy 
mind  is  fully  made  up,  and  I  avail  myself  of  the  liritish  General's  offer." 

*' Certainly,  certainly,''  observed  that  officer,  somewhat  disconcerted  by  the 
pceno  ;  ''  and  I  can  do  it  the  more  readily,  as  it  is  my  intention  to  send  an  in* 
Htant  summons  to  the  garrison  of  Detroit.  Miss  Montgomeric  will,  howevjr, 
do  well  to  consider  before  she  decides.  If  the  summons  be  not  oljeyed,  an- 
other week  will  .sec  our  columns  marching  to  the  assault,  and  sho  must  be 
prei)ared  for  all  the  horrors  of  such  an  extremity,  aided,  as  I  am  compelled  to 
l)e,  (and  he  glanced  at  thu  groups  of  Indians  who  were  standing  aroimd,  but 
at  some  distance,  looking  silently  yet  eagerly  at  the  prisoners.)  by  these  wild 
and  ungovernable  warriors.  Should  she,  on  the  contrary,  decide  on  remain- 
ing here  with  her  uncle,  she  will  be  perfectly  safe." 

'•  General,"  emphatically  returned  Jfiss  Montgomerie.  '*  were  I  certain  that 
the  columns  to  which  you  allude  wouM  not  be  repulsed  whenever  they  may 
venture  upon  that  assault,  and  were  I  as  certain  of  perishing  beneath  tho 
tomahawk  and  scalping  knife  of  these  savages" — and  she  looked  fearlessly  to- 
wards them — ••  still  would  my  determination  remain  the  .same." 

As  she  conchided,  a  hectic  spot  rose  to  either  cheek,  lingered  there  a  moment, 
and  thi'u  left  it  colorless  as  before, 

"  Bo  it  so.  Miss  Montgomerie,  my  word  is  pledged  and  you  shall  go — Gra,->- 
tham.  I  had  intended  sending  one  of  my  personal  stalf  with  the  .summons,  but, 
on  reflection,  you  shall  be  the  bearer.  As  the  captor  of  the  lady,  to  you  shall 
be  awarded  the  charge  of  delivering  her  over  to  her  friends." 

"  Friends  !"  involuntarily  repeated  the  American,  her  cheek  becoming  even 
paler  tiian  before,  and  her  lips  compressed  in  a  way  to  indicate  some  deep  and 
painful  emotion.     Again  .she  dropped  her  veil. 

No  other  notice  wa.s  taken  of  the  interruption  than  what  the  siirpriscd 
manner  of  Major  Montgomerie  manifested,  and  the  General  proceedetj ; 

•'I  would  ask  you,  Major  Montgomerie,  to  become  my  guest  while  you  re- 
main with  us.  but  I  fear  that,  as  a  bachelor,  I  have  but  indifferent  accommodai- 
tion  to  oH'c'i'  to  your  niece." 

'■  If  Miss  Montgomerie  will  accept  it,"  .said  Colonel  D'Egvillo,  interposing, 
"I  sliall  be  most  happy  to  afford  her  the  accommodation  of  a  home  until  she 
finally  departs  for  the  opposite  .shore.  If  the  attention  of  a  family  of 
daughters,"  he  continued,  more  immediately  addressing  himself  to  tho  young 
lady,  ••  can  render  yoiir  temporary  sojourn  among  us  less  tedious,  you  have 
but  to  command  them." 

So  friendly  an  offer  could  not  well  be  refused.  Miss  Montgomerie  inclined 
her  head  in  acquiescence,  and  Colonel  D'Egville  drew  her  arm  within  his  own. 

"  It  were  unkind,"  remarked  the  general,  good-huinoreiily,  "  to  separate 
Major  j\Iontgomerie  altogether  from  his  niece.  Either  the  young  lady  mnst 
partake  of  our  rude  fare,  or  we  shall  consider  our.selves  included  in  your 
dinner  party." 

''  You  could  not  confer  on  me  a  greater  pleasure,  General,  and  indce<l  T  \*as 
about  to  solicit  it.  Commodore  Barclay,  may  I  hope  that  so  short  and  unco- 
vemoniotisan  invitation  will  be  excused  by  the  circumstances?  Good.  I  shall 
expect  you.  But  there  is  yet  another  to  be  included  among  our  gueflts. 
Gerald,  you  will  not  fad  to  conduct  this  gentleman,  whose  name  I  have  not 
yet  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing" — and  he  looked  at  tho  latter,  as  if  he  expected 
him  to  aiuiounce  himself. 

''I  fear,  sir,"  observed  the  young  officer,  pointedly,  '•  that  your  dinner  p.arty 
wo\d<l  ho  little  honored  by  such  an  addition.  Although  he  wears  the  uniform 
of  an  Aii\oiican  officer,  this  person  is  wholly  unworthy  of  it  and  of  a  teat 
at  your  tabic."  ' 

Every  eye  was  turned  with  an  expression  of  deep  astonishment  on  th* 


^10 


MATILDA     M  O  N  T  O  0  M  K  K I K :    O  A ■ 


jpcftk.T,  «n(l  Uienco  upon  the  Torm  of  the  hitherto  rfarcely  noticed  inijil^in 

♦fflccr;  who,  with  his  hend  aiink  suIKmiIv  upon  his  rhoKt.  and  an  eye  now  niid 
''Uicn  raised  stealthily  to  siirrotin'liii?  ohjcctH.  m.-idc  no  attempt  to  relulo,  or 

even  to  express  surprise  at,  the  sin;j;uliir  accusation  of  his  niptor. 

"This  is  stron)!  hin;;!tmj,e  to  apply  to  a  captive  enemy,  and  that  enemy  appa- 
rently nn  oHlcer."  pravely  remarked  the  pciu'ral  ;  "yet  I  cnniiut  believe  Mr. 

'Qranthani  to  he  wholly  without  proimds  for  his  assertion." 

Befonc  (Jrantham  could  reply,  ft  voice  in  the  crowd  exclaimed,  as  if  tho 
"otterer  had  hen  thrown  oH'his  pnard,  '•  What — Pliil  !" 

On  the  mention  of  this  name,  the  yonnper  prisoner  lookrtl  suddenly  wp 
^from  the  eartli  on  which  his  gaze  had  been  riveted,  and  cast  a  rai)id  glanco 
'  tronnrl  him. 

"Nay,  nay.  my  yotmp  friend,  do  not,  as  I  sec  yon  are,  T-el  hurt  at  my  o\y- 

JKJTvation."  resumed  the  pcneral,  extending  liis  hand  to  (Jerald  Gmntham  ; 

"!  confess  1  did  at  one  moment  imagine  that  yon  had  heen  rash  in  yonrsvsser- 
*'tion,  but  from  what  has  this  instant  occurred,  it  is  evidoit  your  prisoner  ifl 
'Jinown   to  others  as  well  as  to  yourself.     No  doubt  we  shall  have  everything 

.explained  in  due  season.     By  the  bye,  of  what  nature  is  your  wound  1  slight, 

I  shouM  say.  from  the  indillerence  with  which  you  treat  it." 

"Slight.  General — far  slighter,"  he  continued,  coloring,  ''than  the  wound 

that  was  sought  to  he  affixed  to  my  fair  name  in  my  absence." 

All  looked  at  the  speaker,  ajul  at  each  otiier  with  sinprise,  for,  as  yet,  there 
•could  liavc  been  no  communication  to  him  of  the  doubts  which  had  been  enter- 
'-4aiued. 

"  Who  is  it. of  you  all,  gentlemen,"  purstied  the  young  man,  with  the  same 
I'^tomposedncss  of  voice  and  manner,  and  turning:  particularly  to  the  olficers  of 
'  ithe  fort^'-ttrst  regiment,  wlio  were  grouped  around  their  chief,  '•  Who  is  it,  I 

•sk,  on  whom  has  devolved  the  enviable  duty  of  reporting  me  as  capable  of 
'violating  my  faith  as  a  subject,  and  my  honor  as  an  officer  T' 

There  was  no  rejily,  although  the  same  looks  of  surprise  were  interchanged  ; 
"but,  as  he  continued  to  glance  his  eye  around  the  circle,  it  encountered,  either 
'/)by  accident  or  design,  that  of  Captain  Molineux,  on  whose  rather  confused 
■countenance  the  gaze  of  Henry  Grantham  was  at  that  moment  bent  with  an 
• -^BSpression  of  much  meaning. 

"  No  one  answers,"  continued  tho  youth  ;  "  then  the  sting  has  been  harm- 
'."less.  But  I  crave  3'our  panlon,  General — I  am  claiming  an  exemption  from 
'-•ijjensure  which  may  not  be  concedefJ  by  all.  Commodore,  how  shall  I  disjMJ.se 
'.of  my  prisoners  ?" 

*'  Not  .so,  Mr.  Grantham  ;  you  have  sufficiently  established  your  right  to 
'.repose,  and  I  have  already  issued  the  necessary  instructions.  Yet.  while  you 
tiiavc  nobly  acquitted  yourself  of  your  duty,  let  me  also  perform  niiur.  Gcn- 
J.'itlemen,"  he  continued,  addressing  the-  large  circle  of  officers,  "  I  was  the 
'•first  to  comment  on  3Ir.  Grantham's  sujiposed  neglect  of  duty,  and  to  cast  a 
"'doubt  on  his  fi<lelity.  That  I  was  wrong  1  admit,  but  right  I  trust  will  be  my 
[  reparation,  and  whatever  momentary  pain  he  niay  e.Nperience  in  knowing  that 
■he  has  been  thus  ujijustl}'  judged,  it  will,  I  am  sure,  be  more  than  compcn- 
^Batod  for,  when  he  liears  that  by  General  Brock  himself  his  defence  was 
"Undertaken,  even  to  the  jjledging  of  liis  own  honor.  Mr.  Grantham,"  con- 
■'•:^uded  tho  gallant  officer,  '•  how  you  have  obtained  your  knowledge  of  tlio 
•^nversation  that  passed  here  during  your  absence,  is  a  mystery  I  will  not 
'  410W  pause  to  inquire  into,  but  I  would  fain  apologize  for  the  wrong  I  have 

'done.     Have  I  your  prrdon  ?" 

-  At  the  commencement  of  this  address,  the  visible  heaving  of  his  full  cheKt, 

*^ithe  curlingof  his  proud  lip,  and  the  burning  flush  of  his  dark  check,  bcti jiyecl 

■•'"•the  mortificatk)n  Gerald  felt,  in  having  been  placed  in  a  position  to  be  judgecl 

sihus  unjustly  ;  but,  as  the  commodore  proceeded,  this  fueling  gradually  pas.sed 
'  »way,  and  when  the  warm  defence  of  his  conduct  by  the  general  was  alluded 

10,  closed  as  the  information  was  with  a  request  for  pardon,  his  temporary 


THE     PROrilECY     FULFILLCB, 


ai 


sliced  miijAi^ 
eyo  now  niid 
to  rduttt,  or 

onoiny  nppa- 
t  believe  Mr. 

loil,  ns  if  tho 

■snddonly  up 
.  riipid  glancu 

irt  at  my  ol>- 
1  Gn\nthnin  ; 
in  youisisscr- 
ir  prisoner  is 
vc  cvorythinp; 
mnd  7  slight, 

m  the  wound 

ns  yet,  there 
id  been  enter- 

I'ith  the  sjinie 
Lhe  ollicers  of 
'•  Who  is  it,  [ 
as  capable  of 

ntcrchanjreil ; 
ntercd,  either 
:her  confused 
bent  witli  an 

■>  been  liarm- 
ein])ti(>n  from 
hall  1  di»i)ose 

•our  rifjht  to 
C't.  while  you 
nniic.  Gcn- 
■•  I  was  the 
and  to  cast  a 
ist  will  be  my 
kiiowinj:  tlial 
than  com  pen- 
defence  was 
ntham."  con- 
i  led^e  of  tho 
ry  I  will  not 
,vrong  I  have 

his  full  chcKt, 
eck,  betraye(i 
to  1)C  juds'd 
dually  passed 
was  alluded 
is  temporary 


■nnoyance  was  banished,  and  he  f  xperioncod  only  tho  p:enerous  triumph  of  on© 
who  is  conscious  of  liaviii;;  won  liis  way.  throu'.'h  calumny  and  iilander,  to  th<> 
well  merited  a|>probation  of  all  right  minth'd  men. 

"  Come,  ciune,"  interposed  the  general,  more  touched  than  he  was  willing 
to  appear,  Ity  the  exprcs-ive  manner  in  which  the  only  hand  of  tho  commodore 
now  grasped  that  of  liis  lieutenant,  and  jwrceiving  that  the  latter  was  about 
to  reply—"  We  will  defer  all  fiirtlier  explanation  until  a  later  jM-rioi],  IJut, 
before  wc  depart  tliis  person  must  be  <iispose<l  of;  Major  Montgf.ioerie,  cx^ 
cuse  my  asking  if  you  will  be  personally  responsible  for  your  fellow  pri- 
BO'icr?" 

♦  '•Certaiidy  not!"  returned  tho  Major  quickly,  and  with  something  likQ 
aim  ui  at  the  required  rcspon.sibility  ;  "  that  is  to  say,  he  does  not  belong  tO 
the  United  States  regular  .service,  and  I  know  nothing  of  him.  Indeed,  L 
never  saw  him  before  last  night,  when  he  joined  me  witli  a  verbal  messagO> 
from  Detroit." 

Hitherto  the  individual  spoken  of  had  preserved  an  unbroken  silence,  keep, 
ing,  as  we  have  alreaily  shown,  his  gaze  riveted  upon  the  ground,  except  at- 
intervals,  when  he  looked  around  with  an  eye  of  suspicion,  as  if  to  measure- 
the  distance  that  separated  lum  from  the  groups  of  Indians  in  the  backgrouniL 
The  disclaimer  of  the  major  had,  however,  the  eilect  of  restoring  to  him  the- 
use  of  his  tongue.  Casting  his  uncertain  eye  on  the  gentlemanly  person  of  tho 
latter,  he  e.\clainicd,  in  a  tone  of  insufferable  vulgarity : 

"  I'll  tell  you  what  it  is.  Mister  Major — you  nuiy  think  yourself  a  devili.sh 
fine  feller,  but  I  guess  as  how  an  officer  of  the  Michigan  Militia  is  just  a9' 
pood  and  as  spry  as  any  blue  coat  in  the  United  States  rig'lars  j  so  there's  that 
(snapping  his  fingers)  for  pretendin'  not  to  know  me." 

All  ill-suppressed  titter  pervaded  the  group  of  British  ofIicer.s — the  general 
alone  prescrvmg  his  snrieiuv. 

"May  I  ask  your  nanic?"  he  demanded. 

"  I  guess,  gin'ril.  it's  Paul  Einiiius  T heophilus  Arnold!,  ensign  in  the  United 
States  Michigan  Militia,"  was  answered  with  a  volubility  strongly  in  contrasV,, 
with  the  preceding  silence  of  the  speaker. 

"Then,  Mr.  Arnoldi,  as  an  oJKcer  in  the  American  militia,  you  .shall  enjoy 
your  liberty  on   parole.     I  need  not.  I  presume,  sir,  point  out  to  you   thtf. 
breach  of  private  honor  and  national  faith  consequent  on  any  violation  of  that 
parole." 

"I  guess  not,. gin'ril,  for,  I  taka  it,  the  word  of  a  Michigan  militia  ofllcer  is 
as  good  us  that  of  any  United  States  rig'lar  as  ever  stepped  in  shoo  leather.'* 

Another  very  pardonal)le  disposition  on  the  part  of  the  younger  officers  t6. 
indulge  in  mirth,  was  interrupted  by  tho  general,  desiring  a  youn;j  ciJo-do» 
camp  to  procure  the  necessary  billet  and  accommodation  for  En.sign  Ar- 
noldi. 

These  two  individuals  having  moved  away  in  search  of  tho  required  lodging^, 
the  general,  with  his  staff  and  prisoner  guests,  withdrew  towards  the  fort* 
Their  departure  was  tho  Signal  for  the  breaking  up  of  the  groups,  and  all  dis- 
persed to  their  several  liomes.  and  in  pursuit  of  their  various  duties.  Th» 
recently  arrived  Indians  were  distributed  throughout  the  encampment,  already 
occupied  as  we  have  described,  and  the  prisoners  taken  in  the  morning  wcrs 
provided  with  suitable  accommodation. 

As  Colonel  D'Egville  was  about  to  enter  the  gate  of  the  fort,  with  his  fair 
charge  leaning  on  his  arm.  Geralii  Grantham  approached  the  party,  with  thd 
intention  of  addressijig  the  general  in  regard  to  the  prisoner  Arnoldi ;  but 
tiniling  him  engaged  in  close  conversation  with  Major  ^lontgomeric,  he  linger- 
ed, as  if  awaiting  a  fitting  opportunity  to  open  the  subject. 

While  he  yet  loitered,  the  eye  of  Mi.ss  Montgomeric  met  his.  What  it 
expressed  we  will  not  venture  to  describe,  but  itn  effect  upon  the  young  officer 
was  profound.  The  moment  before,  discouraged  by  hei-  apparent  rcscrvo,  hfl 
had  stood  coldly  by,  but  now  startled  into  animation,  he  bent  upon  h(r  an 
eai-nest  and  corresponding  look  j  then,  with  a  wild  tumult  at  his  heai~,  which 


W  MATILDA     MON-rOOMKRlB  ;     Ot, 

he  neither  MouRht  to  Htiflo  nor  to  nnaly/p,  nnd  wholly  for«»ftt5npj  Mi»t  htA 
brouRlit  him  to  the  Kjjot,  li«  tnri>p»l  and  joinoU  hia  hrothor,  who,  »t  ft  thwrl 
distance,  Ktood  awaiting  h!s  return. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

•At  the  pnrrison  mcss-tahic  that  evening  the  oortirrcnccs  of  the  day  natti* 
rally  formed  a  chief  tojiic  of  conversation  ;  and  a  variety  of  conjwtiiroH,  mop. 
or  less  probable,  reganiin};  the  American  lady,  were  hazarded  by  the  ofi'!c(!rn, 
to  Romo  of  whom  she  had  become  an  object  of  curiosity,  as  she  had  to  othen 
of  interest.  This  conversation,  necessarily  parenlhineU  with  unirh  extraneous 
oaatter,  in  the  nature  of  rapid  demands  for  solids  and  liquids,  during  the  uitc- 
restiufij  [teriod  devoted  to  the  process  of  mastication,  finally  assumed  a  inoro 
regular  character  when  the  cloth  had  been  removed,  and  the  altendunts 
retired. 

"  Apropos,"  remarked  Captain  Granville,  who  filled  the  president's  chair, 
"We  oup;tit  to  have  toasted  your  brother's  gallant  exploit,  Henry  ;  gentlemen, 
fill  your  glasses — nil  full  ?  Then  I  will  give  you  the  health  of  Lieutenant 
Qrantham,  of  the  squadron." 

The  toast  was  responded  to  by  all  but  Captain  Molincux.  His  glass  had 
b<5en  filled  and  raisca.  but  its  contents  remained  untasted, 

Tlif  omission  was  too  marked  not  to  be  noti(;cd  by  more  than  one  of  the 
party  ;  Henry  Granlham,  whose  eye  had  been  fixed  on  Captain  Molineux  at 
the  time,  of  course  detected  the  slight.  Ho  sat  for  some  minutes  conversing 
with  an  unusual  and  evidently  for'-ed  animation;  then,  excusing  his  early  de- 
parture under  the  plea  of  a!i  engagement  with  liis  brother,  rose  and  quitted 
the  mess-room. 

"  What  have  you  done  with  the  ugly  lout  you  took  chnrge  of,  Dc  Courcy  ?" 
Inquired  Captain  Cranst(iun.  interrupting  the  short  and  «neaning  pause  which 
had  succeeded  to  Granthai).'s  departure. 

"  Why,  I  calculate,  captain,"  rctmncd  the  lively  aid-dc-camp,  imitating  the 
nasal  drawl  and  language  which  had  called  up  so  much  mirth,  oven  in  pres- 
ence of  the  general — "  I  calculate  as  how  I  have  introduced  Ensign  Paul, 
£milius,  Theophilus  Arnoldi,  of  the  United  States  Michigan  Militia,  into 
pretty  considerable  snug  quarters — I  have  billeted  him_  at  the  iiui,  in  which 
DO  had  scarcely  set  foot,  when  his  first  tlemand  was  for  a  glass  of  '  gin  sling,* 
wherewith  to  moisten  his  partick'Iar  damn'd  hot,  baked  clay." 

"What  a  vulgar  and  uncouth  animal,"  obscived  St.  Clair,  a  Captain  of  En- 
gineers— "  I  am  not  at  all  siu-prisod  at  Major  Montgomerie's  disinclination  to 
acknowledge  him  us  a  personal  acquainlanee." 

"  It  is  to  be  hoped,"  said  De  Courcy,  "  we  shall  not  encounter  matiy  such 
during  the  approa<;hing  struggli-,  for,  since  we  have  been  driven  into  this  war. 
it  will  be  a  satisfaction  to  find  ourselves  opposed  to  an  enemy  rather  more 
chivalrous  than  this  specimen  seems  to  promise." 

"  Nay,  nay,  De  Courcy,"  remarked  Captain  Granville,  "you  must  not  judge 
of  the  American  officers  of  the  line  by  that  standard  ;  as,  for  examjile.  Major 
Montgomerie  and  the  person  just  alluded  to.  Last  winter,"  he  continued, 
*'  there  was  a  continued  interchange  of  hospitalities  between  the  two  posts,  ami, 
had  you  been  here  to  participate  in  them,  you  would  have  admitted  that 
tmong  the  officers  of  Detroit,  there  were  many  very  superior  men  indeed." 

"  Pli  sv-ant  ball,  that  last  they  gave,"  said  Lieutenant  Villiers,  with  a  mali- 
cious laugh,  aud  fixii/j;  his  eyes  on  the  Captain  of  Grenadiers. 

■•  The  devil  take  the  ball,"  impatiently  retorted  Cranstoun,  who  did  not 
4oem  to  relish  the  allusion  ;  '•  don't  talk  about  it  now,  man." 

"  What  wis  it,  Villiers  ?  do  pr.iy  tell  us.     Something  good,  I  am  sure  from 


THE    pnnpiiRCY   rut. ritr. CD. 


X  at  a  thdii 


he  day  iiatu* 
)cturoH,  mop. 

'  the  0fi''C(M-«, 

lad  to  olhon 
It  oxtranfoua 
inp;  the  iiite- 
ime'l  ft  tnoro 
0  altonduntii 

itlent's  chair, 

;  pentlemen, 

f  Lieutenant 

lis  glass  had 

.n  one  of  the 
Molinonx  ftt 

L's  conversing 
hiscnrly  dc- 

i  and  quitted 

)e  Courcy  ?" 
pause  which 

imitatin<»  the 
ovon  in  pres- 

nsifrn  Paul, 
Militia,  into 
nn,  in  which 

'gin  sling,' 

ipfftin  of  En- 
inclination  to 

r  man}'  such 

nlo  this  war. 

rather  more 

ist  not  jtuiRfl 
luijile,  Major 
ic  continued, 
:o  jjosts,  and, 
iiiitted  that 
|n  indeed." 
with  a  niali- 

who  did  not 

tn  sure  from 


Oranstoun's  manner,"  pax'''*ly  n<sked  the  nid-do-cainp,  his  cun  )sity  excited  by 
the  jreiwral  titter  that  filiowi'd  tlic  riMiiark. 

'•  Sliall  I  tell  liim,  CninHtoiin  ?"  osIvimI  Viliiers,  in  tho  same  haiitoring  tone. 

"  Don't  hnther  nn^,"  petulantly  returncil  the  otlicr,  as,  tlirustin^  his  lonK 
lotti  under  tho  table  and  tiirnin;;  h'\H  b'lck  upon  thu  qitestioner,  he  joined,  or 
af,\cled  to  join,  in  a  conversation  that  wan  passing,  in  a  low  tone,  at  his  end 
of  ine  roojii. 

'•  I  nuiHt  premise,"  hecjan  Viliiers,  addresHinrr  himself  to  tho  attentively 
listening:;  He  Courry,  "  that  such  is  the  mania  for  dancing  in  tljis  country 
pcarrely  an  v'  obstacle  is  suflicient  to  deter  a  ('iHiadian  laily,  particularly  a 
French  Canadian,  from  indulging  in  her  fav'»rito  atnusernent.  It  is,  lluMcforo, 
hy  no  means  imusual  to  see  wotnon  drawn  in  sleighs  over  drifting  n)asses  of 
ico,  with  chasms  occasionally  oeeurring  of  froju  fifteen  l«»  t  <'enty  feet — and 
that  at  ft  moment  when,  driven  by  wind  and  current,  tho  Imge  fragments  nro 
impelled  over  each  otlicr  with  a  roar  that  can  only  be  likened  to  contimioua 
thuniler,  forming,  in  various  «lirections,  hillocks  from  which  the  sun's  rays  are 
rcflecte<l  in  a  thousand  fantastic  sha<los  and  shapes,  On  th<  se  occasions  tho 
sleighs,  or  c.arioles,  are  drawn,  not  as  otherwise  custom.iry,  by  tlu'  fast-trot- 
ting little  hor.^ies  of  the  coimtry,  but  by  expert  natives  who.se  mode  of  trans- 
portation is  as  follows:  A  strong  rope  i-;  fastened  to  the  extremity  of  tho 
*hafts,  and  into  this  the  French  Canadian,  buried  to  the  dim  in  his  blanket 
:<  ^t,  and  provided  with  a  long  pole  terminating  in  an  iron  hook,  liarne,ssc« 
I.  inself.  by  lirst  drawing  tho  looj)  of  the  cord  over  the  back  of  fiis  neck,  and 
then  passing  it  under  his  arms.  In  this  manner  does  he  raversc  the  floatin;* 
ice,  stepping  from  mass  to  mass  with  a  rapidity  that  all'onls  no  time  for  the 
detached  fragment  to  sink  inider  the  weight  with  which  it  is  t<>mporarily 
laden.  As  the  iron-shod  runners  obey  tho  ,»ilightest  impulsion,  the  draught 
is  light ;  and  tho  only  fatigue  encountered  is  in  the  act  of  bringing  the  de- 
tached bodies  together.  Wherever  an  openmg  intervenes,  the  Canadian 
throws  forward  his  |)ole,  and,  .securing  the  pointed  hook  in  some  projection 
of  the  floating  ice,  (Irags  it  towards  that  on  the  evtremo  verge  of  which  ho 
stanils.  In  like  manner  lie  pas.ses  on  to  the  next,  when  the  same  oivration 
remains  to  be  performed,  until  the  i)as,sage  is  fully  cflected.  Sometinjes  it 
happens  that  a  chasm  of  more  than  ordmary  extent  occurs,  in  which  case  tho 
pole  is  unavailable,  and  then  his  only  alternative  is  to  wait  patiently  untQ 
some  distant  mass,  moving  in  a  direction  to  fill  up  tlie  interstice,  arrives  with- 
in his  retch.  In  the  meanwhile  the  ice  on  w!  '  ;h  he  stands  sinks  slowly  and 
gradually,  until  sometimes  it  quite  disappears  beneath  the  surface  of  tho 
water." 

"  And  the  women,  all  this  time  ?"  demanded  De  Courcy,  with  something 
of  the  nervousness  which  might  be  attributed  to  such  a  situation. 

''  Sit  as  quietly  and  as  unconcernedly,  wrapped  in  their  furs,  as  if  they  wcro 
:.nerely  taking  their  customary  drive  on  terra  firma,"  continuo(l  Viliiers;  "  nay, 
I  am  persuaded  that  if  they  ever  entertain  an  anxiety  on  those  occasions,  it  is 
cither  lest  the  absence  of  one  of  these  formidable  raas.ses  should  compel  them 
to  abandon  an  entcrpriso,  the  bare  idea  of  entering  \ipon  which  woidd  give  an 
European  woman  an  attack  of  nerves,  or  that  the  delayed  aid  should  be  a 
means  of  depriving  them  of  one  half  minute  of  their  anticipated  pleasure." 

"  Why."  interrupted  Middlemore,  despite  of  a  dozon  olis  and  ahs — '■  why, 
I  say,  is  Viliiers  like  a  man  of  domestic  h.abits  ?  Do  you  give  it  up  ?  IJt- 
causc  he  is  fond  of  dwelling  on  his  own  premises." 

"Middlemore,  when  will  3'ou  renounce  that  vile  habit  of  punning ?"  said 
De  Courcy,  with  an  earnestness  of  adjuration  that  excited  a  general  laugh  at 
his  end  of  the  table.  "  Come,  Viliiers,  never  mind  his  nonsense,  for  your 
premises,  although  a  little  long,  are  not  without  deep  interest — but  what  has 
all  this  to  do  with  our  good  friend  abcve  ?" 

"  You  .shall  hear.  After  a  siicces.Mon  of  balls  last  winter,  to  which  tha 
ladies  on  cither  shore  were  invariabiy  invited,  the  concluding  one  was  given 
by  the  officers  in  garrison  at  Detroit.     This  was  at  the  x^ry  clo.sc  of  the 


8* 


ATILnA     XONTOOSIERIE  ;     OA, 


Bcafson.  and  it  chanced  that,  on  the  prccedinj;  nifiht,  the  river  had  broken  xsp, 
iMi  that  the  roar  and  fracas  of  crashing  ice  niij^ht  have  been  likened,  during 
forty-eip;Fit  hours  aftervvards,  to  some  terrible  disorganization  of  nature.  No- 
thinf^  daunted,  howt-vor,  by  the  circumstance,  many  of  tlie  Canadian  ladies 
made  the  usual  preparations,  and  among;  others  the  Miss  D'Eirvilles," 

Here  VilHers  pausoil  a  moment,  and  with  a  significant  '•h^ni."  songlit  to 
prouse  the  attention  of  the  greiiadicr  ;  but  Cranstoun,  insensible  to  the  appeal, 
and  perhaps  unwilling  to  listen  to  a  story  that  occasioned  so  much  mirth 
whenever  it  was  repeated,  continued  with  his  back  immovably  turned  toward* 
the  speaker. 

'•  All  very  well,"  pursued  Tilliers ;  ''bnt  wa  know  the  adage — 'none  sa 
deaf  as  those  who  will  not  hear.'  I  have  said,"  again  turning  to  De  Courcy, 
while  those  who  were  near  listened  not  without  mterest  ti)  the  story,  familiar 
«>ven  as  it  was  to  them  .-ill,  "  that  the  Miss  D'Egvilles  were  of  the  party.  At 
that  time  our  friend  was  doing  the  amiable  to  the  lively  Juda.  although  w& 
never  could  persua<le  him  to  confess  his  penchant ;  and,  on  this  occasion,  he. 
had  attacheil  himself  to  their  immediate  sleigh.  Provided,  like  the  Canadians^ 
with  poles  terminated  by  an  iron  hook  at  one  end  and  a  spike  at  the  other, 
we  made  our  waj'  afler  their  fashion,  but  in  quicker  time  than  they  po.sisibly 
could,  harnessed  as  they  were  in  the  sledges.  With  tlie  aid  of  these  pole?, 
we  cleared,  with  facility,  chasms  of  from  ten  to  twelve  feet,  and  alighting  on 
our  moccasmed  feel,  .seldom  incurred  much  risk  of  losing  our  hold.  Our  ball 
dre.s.ses  were  taken  in  charge  by  the  ladies,  .so  that  our  chief  care  wa.s  the  safe 
passage  of  our  own  persons.  We  all  arrived  without  accident,  and  passed  a 
delightful  evening,  the  American  odicers  t;-\«rting  themselves  to  give  the  coup 
Wiclat  to  the  last  ball  of  the  season." 

'•  Yes."  int(!rrupted  the  incorrigible  Middlemore,  as  he  cracked  apeccan  nut, 
"  and  the  balls  reserved  for  us  this  season  will  alsa  carry  with  them  the  coup 
de  flossy 

"  The  night."  pursued  Yilliers.  no  one  noticing  the  interruption  save  by  an 
impatient  '  pish,'  '•  gave  every  indication  of  a  speedy  break  up.  The  ice  j'et 
lloatod  along  in  disjoined  masses,  but  with  even  greater  rapidity  than  on  tho 
preceding  day.  Two  alteinatives  remained — either  to  attempt  the  crossing 
before  further  obstacle  should  be  interposed,  or  to  remain  in  Detroit  until  the 
river  had  been  so  far  cleared  of  the  ice  as  to  admit  of  a  passage  in  canoes. 
With  our  leaping  poles,  we  w  to  not  so  much  at  a  loss,  but  the  fear  enter- 
tained was  principally  for  the  safety  of  the  sleighs.  Nothing  dismayed,  how- 
ever, by  the  dangerous  appearance  of  the  river,  the  ladies,  after  due  delibera- 
tion, courageously  resolved  on  returning  without  delay,  and  we  accondingly 
Bet  out  on  our  somewhat  hazardous  expedition. 

"  Notwithstanding  it  wa.s,  as  T  have  already  remarked,  the  close  of  winter, 
the  cold  was  intense,  and  we  were  warml}'  clad.  I  do  not  know  if  you  have 
ever  seen  Cranstoun's  huge  bear  sldn  coat,  (an  affirmative  nod  was  given  by 
De  Courcy),  well :  in  this  formidable  covering  had  he  encased  him.self.  so  that 
when  he  quitted  the  town,  surmounted  as  his  head  was  moreover  with  a  fur 
cap,  he  presented  more  of  the  appearance  of  a  danciqg  bear  than  of  a  humaa 
creature.  In  this  guise  he  attached  hitnself  to  the  sleigh  of  tho  D'Egvilles, 
which,  in  crossing,  happened  to  be  the  furthest  down  the  river,  of  the  group." 

'•  What  a  damn'd  long  time  you  are  telling  that  stupid  story,  Vil'iers."  at 
length  noticed  Cranstoun,  wheeling  round  and  regarding  the  narrator  with  a 
look  of  ill  assumed  inditVerence,  "  I  could  have  told  it  myself  in  half  th« 
time." 

••  I  am  afraid  yon  would  not  tell  it  so  faithfully,"  replied  Lieutenant  Villiern, 
umitl  the  loud  laugh  which  was  now  raised  at  Cranstoun's  expense.  "Yoii 
ece  it  is  so  good  a  thing,  I  like  to  make  the  most  of  it." 

Hero  Cranstoun  again  turned  his  back  upon  the  party,  and  Villiers  pur- 
sued. 

'•  The  main  body  of  the  expedition  had  got  nearly  half  way  across  tho  river, 
when  suddenly  our  ears  were  assailed  by  laoanings,  resembling  those  of  som« 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLE*. 


:2S 


broken  09, 
led.  during 
tnre.  No- 
idian  ladica 
P." 

souj^ht  to 
the  appeal, 
inch  mirth 
ed  towardf* 

— '  none  fw. 
Do  Courcy, 
ry,  familiar 
party.  At 
Itiiou^^h  we- 
jocasion,  he. 
Canadians, 
t  the  other, 
ey  possibly 
these  poles, 
ilightinp;  on 
.  Our  ball 
vas  tlie  safe 
ii<]  passed  a 
vc  the  coup 

peccan  nut, 
:in  the  coup 

save  by  an 

riie  ice  yet 

han  on  tho 

le  crossing 

t  until  the 

in  canoes. 

car  cntcr- 

ayed.  how- 

le  delibcra- 

iccondingly 

of  winter, 
you  havo 
civcn  by 
If.  so  that 
with  a  fur 
a  hnmaa 
D'Egvilles, 
\e  group." 
il'icrs."  at 
itor  with  a 
n  half  the 

n(  Villiers, 
se.    "You 

illicrs  pur- 

s  the  river, 
»se  of  soin0 


wild  beast.  min<rled  with  inressant  and  nn?;ovemable  la»ip;hte:  Check incj  our 
course,  and  tuniin;^  to  behold  the  cause,  we  observed,  about  a  hundred  yards 
below  us,  the  sledfirc  of  the  D'E;^vil!cs,  from  which  tho  almost  couvulsivo 
laughter  proceeded,  and  at  a  consi<leiable  distance  beyond  this  again,  an  object 
the  true  character  of  which  wc  were  .some  time  in  discovering. 

'*  It  appdiirod.  on  sub.scquent  explanation,  that  Oranstoun,  who  had  l>ceTi 
whispering  soft  nothings  in  the  ear  of  Julia  D'Egville,  (here  the  captain  was 
observed  to  prick  his  ear  without  materially  altering  his  position)  hem! 
Cranstoun.  I  say.  it  appeared  had  also  taken  it  into  his  liead  to  giva  her  a  spe- 
cimen of  his  agility,  by  an  attempt  to  clear  a  space  between  two  m,\sses  of  ice 
of  somewhat  too  great  a  In-eadth  for  a  heavy  jurenadicr,  buttoned  up  to  the 
chin  in  a  pondei-ous  bear  skin  coat.  He  succeeded  in  gaining  tlie  opposite 
piece  of  ice,  but  had  no  .sooner  reached  it,  than  he  fell,  entangled  in  such  a 
manner  in  liis  covering  that  he  found  it  impossible  to  extricate  himself.  To 
add  to  his  disaster,  the  fcrce  of  hi.s  flill  broke  olf.  from  the  main  body,  tho 
section  of  ice  on  which  he  rested.  Borne  down  by  the  current,  in  spite  of  his 
vain  struggles  to  free  liimself,  he  was  unable  even  to  cr.ll  for  aid.  his  fingers 
moreover  being  so  bentjmbed  with  cold  that  he  found  it  impossible  to  unbut- 
ton the  straps  which  confnied  Ins  mouth. ,  In  this  emergency  he  could  only 
utter  the  strange  and  unintelligible  moan  which  had  reacluvl  our  ears,  and 
which,  mingled  with  the  bursts  of  laughter  from  Julia  D'Egville,  formed  a 
most  incongruous  melange. 

"  The  best  of  the  adventure  remains,  however,  to  be  told.  Numbers  of  the 
peasantry  from  either  sliore,  provided  with  poles,  guns,  and  ropes,  were  now 
to  be  .seen  rushing  towards  the  half  congealed  Cranstoun,  fully  imagining — 
nay  exclaiming — that  it  was  a  wihl  bear,  which,  in  an  attempt  to  cross  the 
river,  had  had  its  retreat  cut  olf,  and  was  now,  from  in.sensil>ility.  rendered 
harmless.  Disputes  even  arose  in  the  distance  as  to  whom  the  prize  should 
belong,  each  pursuer  claiming  to  have  seen  it  first.  Nay,  more  than  one  gun 
had  been  levelled  with  a  view  of  terminating  all  dotibt  by  lodging  a  bullet  in 
the  carcase,  when,  fortunately,  for  the  subject  in  dispute  this  proposal  was 
overruled  by  the  majority,  who  were  more  anxious  to  capture  than  to  slay 
the  .supposed  bear.  Meanwhile  the  Canadian.  htkrnes.scd  to  the  sleigh  of  tho 
D'Egvillcs,  roared  out  with  all  his  lungs  for  the  two  parties  to  hasten  to  the 
a.s.sistancc  of  the  drowning  British  oflicer.  In  the  confusion  produced  by  their 
own  voices,  however,  the}-  did  not  appear  to  hear  or  understand  him ;  yet  all 
pursued  the  aim  they  had  in  view.  Cranstoun's  body  was  so  doubled  np  that 
it  was  impo.ssible  for  any  one,  who  had  not  witne.s.sed  the  accident,  to  imagine 
it  anything  in  nature  but  a  bear ;  and  this  impression,  the  strange  moaning 
he  continued  to  make,  tended  to  confirm. 

"The  party  of  Canadians,  favored  by  the  nature  of  their  floating  ice-bridges, 
wer ;  die  first  to  come  up  to  him.  A  d'!sperate  effort  of  his  cramped  muscles 
ha '  enabled  Cranstoun  to  extend  one  of  his  legs,  at  the  moment  when  they 
were  about  to  throw  a  noose  round  his  neck,  and  this  was  the  first  mtimation 
the  astonished  jieasantry  had  of  their  supposed  prize  being  a  human  l)eing,  i  - 
Btead  of  the  fat  bear  they  had  expected.  Poor  Cran.^toun  was  of  course  liber- 
ated from  his  '  durance  vile,'  but  ."io  chilled  from  long  immersion,  that  he  could 
not  stand  without  as.sistance,  and  it  was  not  until  one  of  their  companions  had 
approached  with  a  .sleigh  that  he  could  be  removed.  He  kept  his  bed  three 
days,  as  much  I  believe  from  vexation  as  illnes.s.  and  has  never  worn  his  un- 
lucky bear  skin  since»;  neither  has  he  forgiven  Julia  D'Egville  the  laugh  she 
enjoyed  at  his  expense.  Cranstoun,"  he  concluded,  '• }  ou  nviy  turn  now,  the 
story  is  told." 

But  Cranstoun,  apparently  heedless  of  the  laugh  that  followed  thi.« — as  in- 
deed it  did  everv — narrratioii  of  the  anecdote,  was  not  to  bo  shaken  from  hia 
equanimity.  He  continued  silent  and  unmoved,  as  if  he  had  not  heard  a  word 
of  the  conclusion. 

"Poor  Cranstoun,"  excbimed  the  joyous  Do  Courcy.  in  u  strain  of  provok- 


«tt 


MATILDA     MONTOOH ERI E  ;    OR, 


jiis;  banter,  "what  an  unfortunate  leap  that  was  of  yours  ;  and  how  delightixj 
you  must  have  felt  when  you  acain  stepped  on  terra  firma." 

''  I  don't  wonder  at  liis  leap  being  unfortunate,"  observed  Middlcmore.  all 
eyes  fixed  upon  him  in  expectation  of  what  was  to  follow,  "  for  Julia  D'Eg- 
ville  cau  affirm  that,  while  paying  his  court  to  her,  he  had  not  chosen  a  leap 
uear.''^ 

While  all  were  as  usual  abusing  the  far  strained  pun.  a  note  was  brouf^ht  in 
by  the  head  waiter  and  handed  to  the  punster.  The  oflicer  read  it  attcntivel}', 
ind  then,  with  an  air  of  seriousness  which  in  him  Avas  remarkable,  tossed  it 
across  the  table  to  Captain  Molineux,  who,  since  the  departure  of  Henry 
Grantham,  had  been  sitting  with  his  arms  folded,  apparently  buried  in  pro- 
found thought,  and  taking  no  part  either  in  the  conversation  or  the  laughter 
Avhich  accompanied  it.  A  fixint  smile  passed  over  his  features,  as,  after  having 
read,  he  returned  it,  with  an  assentient  nod  to  Middlemo:e.  Sliortly  after- 
wards, availinghimsclf  of  the  opportunity  afforded  by  the  introduction  of  somo 
fresh  topic  of  conversation,  he  quitted  his  scat,  and  whispering  something  in 
the  ear  of  Villiers,  left  the  mess  room.  Soon  after,  the  latter  officer  disap- 
peared from  the  table,  and  in  a  few  moments  his  example  w^as  followed  by 
Middlcmore. 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  dinner  party  at  Colonel  D'Egville's  v?as  composed  m  a  manner  to  in- 
spire an  exclusive  with  irrepressible  horror.  At  the  suggestion  of  General 
Brock,  Tecumseh  had  been  invited,  and,  with  him,  three  other  celebrated  In- 
dian chiefs,  whom  we  beg  to  introduce  to  our  readers  under  tlieir  familiar 
names — Split-log — Round  head— and  Walk-in-the- water — all  of  the  formidablo 
nation  of  the  Ilurons.  In  his  capacity  of  superintendent  of  Indian  affiiirs, 
Colonel  D'Egvillc  had  been  much  in  the  habit  of  entertaining  the  .superior 
chiefs,  who,  with  a  tact  pcculiijr  to  men  of  their  sedate  and  serious  character, 
if  they  displayed  few  of  the  graces  of  European  polish,  at  least  gave  no  mani- 
festation of  an  innate  vulgaritj'.  As  it  may  not  be  uninteresting  to  the 
reader  to  have  a  slight  sketch  of  the  warriors,  we  will  attempt  the  por- 
traiture. 

The  chief  Split-log,  who  indeed  should  rather  have  been  named  Split-ear,  as 
we  shall  presently  show,  was  afflicted  with  an  aldermanic  rotundity  of  person, 
by  no  means  common  among  his  race,  and  was  one,  who  from  his  love  of  case 
and  naturally  indolent  disposition,  seemed  more  fitted  to  take  his  scat  in  th(j 
council  than  to  load  his  warriors  to  battle.  Yet  was  he  not,  in  reality,  thu 
inactive  character  he  appeared,  and  more  than  once  subsequently  he  was  en- 
gaged in  expeditions  of  a  predatory  nature,  carrying  off  the  customary  spoil.o. 
We  cannot  impart  a  better  idea  of  the  head  of  the  warrior  than  by 
stating,  that  we  never  recall  that  of  the  gigantic  Mcmnon,  in  the  Brit- 
ish Museum,  without  being  forcibly  reminded  of  Split-log's.  The  Indian, 
however,  was  notorious  for  a  peculiarity  which  the  Egyptian  had  not.  So 
enormous  a  head,  seeming  to  require  a  corresponding  portic  t  of  the  several 
organs,  nature  had,  in  her  great  bounty,  provided  him  with  a  nose,  which,  if 
it  equalled  not  that  of  Smellfungus  in  length,  might,  in  height  and  breadth, 
have  laughed  it  utterly  to  scorn.  Neither  was  it  a  single,  but  a  double  nose- 
two  excrescences,  equalling  in  bulk  a  moderate  sized  lemon,  and  of  the  spongy 
nature  of  a  mushroom,  bulging  out,  and  lending  an  expression  of  owlish 
<Fi.sdom  to  his  otherwise  heavy  features.  As  on  that  of  the  Memnon,  not  a 
estige  of  a  hair  was  to  be  seen  on  the  head  of  Split-log.  His  lips  were, 
iOoreover,  of  the  same  unsightly  thickness,  while  the  elephantine  car  had  been 
Blit  in  such  a  manner,  that  the  pliant  cartilage,  y:' elding  to  the  weight  of  sc- 
Tftral  ounces  of  leud  which  had  for  years  adorned  it,  now  lay  stretched,  and 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


at 


V  delightc(J 

llcmore.  all 
fulia  D'Eg- 
>sen  a  leap 

broiijrht  in 
attcntivel)', 
le,  tossed  it 
1  of  Henry 
•ied  in  pro- 
le  laughter 
,ftcr  having 
)nly  after- 
ion  of  somo 
)mcthing  in 
ficer  disap- 
followed  by 


inner  to  in- 
of  General 
lebrated  Tn- 
eir  familiar 
2  forrnidablo 
dian  affairs, 
he  superior 
s  character, 
vc  no  niani- 
ting  to  the 
3t  the  por- 

S  pi  it-ear,  as 
of  person, 
love  of  case 
5  seat  in  thu 
reality,  the 
he  was  en- 
nary  spoils. 
than   by 
the   Brit- 
'he  Indian, 
id  not.     So 
the  several 
which,  if 
nd  breadth, 
able  nose— 
the  spongy 
J  of  owlish 
nnon,  not  a 
;  lips  were, 
?ar  had  bcpij 
'eic;ht  of  sc- 
etched,  an«} 


coqucttin^g  with  the  brawny  shoulder  on  which  it  reposed.  Sunh  w.»s  the 
Huron,  or  Wyandot  Chief,  whose  cognomon  of  Split-log  had,  in  a!I  proba- 
bility, been  derived  from  his  facility  in  "suiting  the  action  to  the  word  ;"  fur, 
in  addition  to  his  gigantic  nose,  he  possessed  a  fist,  which  in  size  and  strength 
might  have  disputed  the  palm  with  Maxiuiiliiin  himself;  although  Iiis  practice 
had  chiefly  been  confined  to  knocking  down  his  drunken  wives,  instead  of 
oxen. 

The  second  Chief,  Round-head,  who,  by  the  way,  was  the  principal  in  re- 
putation after  Tecumsch,  we  find  the  more  difiiculty  in  describing  from  the 
fact  of  his  having  had  few  or  noue  of  those  peculiarities  which  we  have,  hap- 
pily for  our  powers  of  description,  been  enabled  to  seize  hold  of  in  Split-log. 
Ilia  name  we  believe  to  have  been  derived  from  that  indispensable  portion  of 
his  frame.  His  eye  was  quick,  even  penetrating,  and  his  stern  brow  denoted 
intelligence  and  decision  of  character.  His  straight,  coal-black  hair,  cut 
square  over  the  forehead,  fell  long  and  thickly  over  his  face  ami  shoulders. 
This,  surmounted  by  a  round  sioucheil  hat,  ornamented  with  an  eagle's 
feather,  which  he  ordinarily  wore  and  had  not  even  now  dispensed  with,  added 
to  a  blue  capote  or  hunting  frock,  produced  a  tcmt  ensemble,  which  cannot  bo 
more  happily  rendered  than  by  a  comparison  with  one  of  his  puritanical  sly- 
eyed  namesakes  of  the  English  Revolution. 

Whether  our  third  hero,  Walk-in-the-water,  derived  his  name  from  any 
aquatic  achievement  which  could  possibly  give  a  claim  for  its  adoption,  we  havo 
no  means  of  ascertaining  ;  but  certain  it  is,  that  in  his  features  he  bore  a 
striking  resemblance  to  the  portraits  of  Oliver  Cromwell.  The  same  small, 
keen,  searching  e3'e,  the  same  iron  inflexibility  of  feature,  together  with  tho 
long  black  hair  escaping  from  beneath  the  slouched  hat,  (for  Walk-in-the- 
water,  as  well  as  Round-head,  was  characterised  by  an  unconscious  imitation 
of  the  Rounheads  of  the  Revolution) — all  contributed  to  render  the  resem- 
blance as  perfect  as  perfection  of  resemblance  can  be  obtained,  where  tho 
physical,  and  not  the  moral,  man,  forms  the  ground  of  contrast. 

Far  above  these  in  nobleness  of  person,  as  well  as  in  brillianc}'  of  intellect, 
was  the  graceful  Tecumseh.  Unlike  his  companions,  whose  dress  was  exceed- 
ingly plain,  he  wore  his  jerkin  or  hunting  coat  of  the  most  beautifully  soft 
and  pliant  deer-skin,  on  which  w?ro  visible  a  variety  of  tasteful  devices,  exqui- 
sitely embroidered  with  the  stained  quills  of  the  porcupine.  A  shirt  of 
dazzling  whiteness  was  carefully  drawn  over  his  expansive  chest,  and  in  hii? 
equally  white  shawl-turban  was  placed  an  ostrich  feather,  the  prized  gift  of  tho 
lady  of  the  mansion.  On  all  occasions  of  festivity,  and  latterly  in  the  field, 
he  was  wont  thus  to  decorate  himself ;  and  never  did  the  noble  warrior  appear 
to  greater  advantage  than  when  habited  in  this  costume.  Tho  contrast  it 
offered  to  his  swarthy  cheek  and  mobile  features,  animated  as  they  were  by 
the  frequent  flashiag  of  his  eagle  eye,  seldom  failed  to  excite  admiration  m  tho 
bo.soms  of  all  who  .saw  him. 

The  half  hour  that  elapsed  between  the  arrival  of  the  several  guests  and  tho 
announcement  of  dinner,  was  passed  under  the  influence  of  feelings  almost  aft 
various  in  kind  as  the  party  itself.  Messieurs  Split-rock,  Round-head,  and 
Walk-in-the-water,  fascinated  by  tho  eagles  on  the  buttons  of  Major  Mont- 
gomeric's  uniform,  appeared  to  regard  that  officer  as  if  they  ,saw  no  just  cause 
or  impediment  why  certain  weapons  dangling  at  their  siilcs  should  not  be 
made  to  perform,  and  that  without  delay,  an  incision  into  the  cranium  of  their 
proprietor.  True,  there  was  a  difFictilty.  Tlie  veteran  major  was  partially 
bald,  and  wanted  the  top  knot  or  scalping  tuft,  which  to  a  true  warrior  was  in- 
dispensabb ;  not  that  we  mean  to  insinuate,  that  either  of  these  chiefs  would 
so  far  havo  forgotten  the  position  in  which  that  gentleman  stood,  as  to  havo 
been  .tempted  into  any  practical  demonstration  of  hostility  :  but  there  vas  a 
restlessness  about  the  eye  of  each,  that — much  like  the  insMnct  of  the  cat, 
which  regards  with  natural  avidity  tho  bird  that  is  suffered  to  go  at  largo 
within  his  reach,  without  daring  openly  to  attack  it — betrayed  the  internal 
effort  it  cost  them  to  lose  sight  of  the  enemy  in  the  prisoner  and  friend  of  the 


88 


MATILDA     MONTGOMERIE;     OR 


supcrintcmicnt.  The  majors  on  the  other  haTid,  although  sativsflcd  he  rai 
under  the  roof  of  hospitality,  did  not  at  first  appear  aitogcthei  at  his  case, 
but,  while  he  conversed  with  the  En'jjlish  oillccrs,  turned  ever  and  anon  an  eye 
of  distrust  on  the  movements  of  his  swarthy  fellow  guests.  On  the  arrival 
of  Tecumseh,  who,  detained  until  a  late  hour  by  the  arrangements  he  had 
been  making  for  the  encampment  and  supplies  of  his  new  force,  was  the 
last  10  make  his  appearance,  the  major's  doubts  passed  entirely  away.  It  was 
impossilile  to  be  in  the  presence  of  this  cliieftain.  and  fail,  even  without  any 
other  mdex  to  his  soul  than  what  the  candor  of  his  expression  afforded,  to 
entertain  all  the  security  that  man  may  repose  on  man.  lie  had  in  him,  it  is 
true,  too  much  of  the  sincerity  of  nature,  to  make  anything  like  a  friendly  ad- 
vance to  one  of  a  people  on  whom  be  charged  all  the  misfortunes  of  his  race,  and 
for  whom  he  had  avowed  an  inextinguishable  hostility  of  heart  and  purpose  ; 
but,  unless  when  this  might  with  sti'ict  propriety  be  exercised,  the  spirit  of 
his  vengeance  extended  not  ;  and  not  only  would  he  have  scorned  to  harm  a 
failen  foe,  but  his  arm  would  have  been  tlie  first  uplifted  in  his  defence. 

Notwithstanding  the  glance  of  intelligence  which  Captain  Granvilh  had  re- 
marked, and  which  we  have  previously  stated  to  have  been  directed  by  Miss 
Montgomerie  to  her  captor  a  few  hours  before,  there  was  nothing  in  her  man- 
ner during  dinner  to  convey  the  semblance  of  a  prepossession.  True,  that  in 
the  tumultuous  glow  of  gratified  vanity  and  dawning  love,  Gerald  Grantham 
had  executed  a  toilet,  into  which,  with  a  view  to  the  improvement  of  tho 
advantage  he  imagined  himself  to  have  gained,  all  the  justifiable  coquetry  of 
personal  embellishment  had  been  thrown  ;  but  neitb(;r  the  handsome  bhio 
uniforui  with  its  glittering  epaulette,  nor  tho  beautiful  hair  on  which  more 
than  nsual  pams  had  been  bestowed,  nor  the  sparkling  of  his  dark  eye,  nor 
the  expression  of  a  cheek,  rendered  doubly  animated  by  excitement,  nor  tho 
interestingly  displayed  arm  en  echarpe — none  of  these  attractions,  we  repeat, 
seemed  to  claim  even  a  partial  notice  from  her  they  were  intended  to  capti  • 
vate.  Cold,  colorless,  passionless,  Miss  Montgomerie  met  him  with  tha 
calmness  of  an  absolute  stranger  ;  and  when,  with  the  '•ocollection  of  the 
'ndescribable  look  she  had  bestowed  upon  him  glowing  at  his  heart,  Gerald 
again  .sought  in  her  eyes  some  trace  of  the  expression  that  had  stirred  every 
vein  into  transport,  he  four<^  there  indifferqjjce  tho  most  complete.  IIow 
great  his  mortification  was,  wo  will  not  venture  to  describe,  but  the  arch  and 
occasional  raillery  of  his  li\-ely  cousin,  Julia  D'Egville,  seemed  to  denote  most 
plainly  that  the  conqueror  and  the  conquered  had  exchanged  positions. 

Nor  was  this  surprising  ;  Miss  Montgomerio's  travelling  habit  had  been 
discarded  for  the  more  decorative  ornaments  of  a  dinner  toilet,  in  which,  how- 
ever, the  most  marked  simplicity  was  ob.scrved.  A  plain  white  muslin  dress 
pave  full  development  to  a  person  which  was  of  a  perfection  that  no  dress 
could  have  disguised.  It  was  the  bust  of  a  Venus,  united  to  a  form,  to  create 
which  woyld  liavc  taxed  tho  imaginative  powers  of  a  Praxiteles — a  form  so 
faultlessly  moulded,  that  every  movement  presented  some  new  and  unpreme- 
ditated grace.  What  added  to  the  surpassing  richness  of  her  licauty  was  her 
hair,  which,  black,  glossy,  and  of  eastern  luxuriance,  and  seemingly  disdaining 
the  girlishness  of  curls,  reposed  in  broad  Grecian  bands  across  a  brow,  tho 
intellectual  expression  of  which  they  contributed  to  form.  Yet  never  did 
■woman  exhibit  in  her  person  and  face  more  opposite  exti-emes  of  beauty.  I*" 
the  one  was  strikingly  characteristic  of  warmtii,  the  other  \vas  no  less  indi^ 
cative  of  coldness.  Fair,  even  to  paleness,  were  her  cheek  and  forehead,  which 
wore  an  appearance  of  almost  marble  immobility,  save  when,  in  moments  of 
oft  recurring  abstraction,  a  slight  but  marked  contraction  of  tho  brow  betray- 
ed the  existence  of  a  feeling,  indefinable  indeed  to  the  observer,  but  certamly 
unallied  to  softness.  Still  she  was  beautiful — coldly,  classically,  beautiful— 
eminently  calculated  to  inspire  passion,  but  seemingly  incapable  of  feeling  it. 

The  coldness  of  Miss  Montgomerie's  manner  was  no  Jess  remarkable.  Her 
whole  demeanor  was  one  of  abstraction.  It  seemed  as  it  heedless,  not  only 
of  ccremonyj  but  of  courte.sy,  her  thoughts  and  feelings  were  far  from  th» 


icd  he  rai 
it  hi«  case, 
)K)n  an  eye 
the  arrival 
tits  lie  had 
;e,  was  the 
ly.  It  was 
ithont  any 
iifrordeil,  to 
n  him,  it  is 
Vicndly  ad- 
lis  race,  and 
id  purpose ; 
he  spirit  of 
1  to  harm  a 
jncc. 

illo  had  re- 
ed by  Miss 
n  her  man- 
rue,  that  in 
[  Grantham 
nent  of  tho 
:oquctry  of 
J.some  bhio 
ivhicli  inoro 
,ik  eye,  nor 
int,  nor  tho 
,  we  repeat, 
ed  to  capti  • 
n  witii  tho 
Lion  of  tho 
art,  Gerald 
irred  every 
ete.     IIow 
le  arch  and 
enote  most 
ons. 
had  been 
hich,  how- 
uslin  dress 
at  no  dress 
,  to  create 
-a  form  so 
unpremo- 
ty  was  her 
lisdainin^ 
brow,  tho 
never  did 
eauty.     I*" 
less  indi- 
cad,  which 
onients  of 
9w  bctray- 
t  certamly 
jeautiful— 
feeling  it. 
ble.     Il<5r 
s,  not  only 
from  thi 


THK    PROPHECY    FULflT.llSD.  IP 

board  of  whose  hospitality  she  was  partiikinij.  Tmhwl.  the  very  few  remnrka 
she  made  during  dinner  referred  to  the  periofl  of  departure  of  the  boirt,  in 
which  she  was  to  be  conveyed  to  Detroit,  and  on  this  subject  she  displayed 
an  earnestness,  which,  even  Grantham  thou'^ht.  mi'j;ht  have  been  suppressed 
in  the  presence  of  his  uncle's  family.  Perhaps  he  felt  j>iq»ed  at  her  readiness 
to  leave  him. 

Under  these  circumstances,  tho  dinner  was  not.  as  might  be  expected,  par- 
ticularly gay.  There  was  an  embarrassment  among  all,  which  even  tho 
circulating  wine  did  t  wholly  remove.  Major  Montgomorie  w.rs  nearly  as 
silent  as  liis  niece.  s.  D'Egvillc.  although  evincing  all  the  kindness  of  her 

really  benevolent  naiurc— a  task  in  which  she  was  assisted  by  her  amiable 
daughters — still  felt  that  the  reserve  of  hor  guest  insensibly  produced  a 
corresponding  effect  upon  herself;  while  Colonel  D'Egvillc,  gay.  polislied,  and 
attentive,  as  he  usually  was,  could  not  wholl}'  overcome  an  apprehension  that 
the  introduction  of  the  Indian  chiefs  had  given  oft'encc  to  both  uncle  and  niece. 
Still,  it  was  impossible  to  have  acted  otherwise.  lndej)endently  of  his  strong 
personal  attachment  to  Tecumseh,  considerations  involving  the  saft-ty  of  tho 
province,  threatened  as  it  was,  strongly  demanded  that  the  leading  chiefs 
should  be  treated  with  the  rc=!pect  due  to  their  station  ;  and  moreover,  while 
General  Brock  and  Commodore  Barclay  wore  present,  there  could  be  no 
ground  for  an  impression  that  .slight  was  intended.  Both  these  oHicors  saw  tho 
difficulty  under  which  their  host  labored,  and  .sought  l)y  every  gentlemanly 
attention,  to  remove  whatever  unpleasantness  might  lurk  in  the  feelings  of  his 
American  guests. 

The  dessert  brought  with  it  but  little  addition  to  the  animation  of  the  party, 
and  it  was  a  relief  to  all,  when,  after  a  toast  proposed  by  the  general  to  the 
"  Ladies  of  America,"  Mrs.  D'Egvillc  made  the  usual  signal  for  withdrawiug. 

As  soon  as  they  had  departed,  followed  a  moment  or  two  afterwards  by 
Tecumseh  and  Gerald  Grantham,  Messicui-s  Split-log,  llound-head,  and  Walk- 
jn-the-water,  deliberately  taking  their  pi|)e-bo\vl  tomahaw'ks  from  tlieir  \n:lt<, 
proceeded  to  fill  them  with  kinni-kinnick,  a  mi.xture  of  Virginia  tobacco  and 
odoriferous  herbs,  than  which  no  perfume  can  be  more  fragrant.  Amid  tho 
clouds  of  smoke  pulled  from  these  at  the  lower  end  of  the  table,  where  had 
been  placed  a  supply  of  whiskey,  their  favorite  liquor — did  Colonel  D'Egvillo 
and  his  more  civilized  guests  quafl"  their  claret  ;  more  gratified  than  annoyed 
by  the  savoury  atmosphere  wreathing  around  them,  while,  taking  advantage 
of  the  early  departure  of  the  abstemious  Tecumseh,  they  discussed  tlu;  merits 
of  that  chief,  and  the  policy  of  employing  the  Indians  as  allies,  as  will  be  seen 
in  the  following  chapter. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

"What  a  truly  noble  looking  being  !"  observed  Major  Montgomcrie,  as  ho 
followed  with  his  eye  the  receding  form  of  the  athletic  but  graceful  Tecum.seli, 
"  Do  you  know,  Colonel  D'Egvillc,  I  could  almost  forgive  your  nephew  his 
success  of  this  morning,  in  consideration  of  the  pleasure  he  has  procured  mo 
in  this  meeting.'' 

Colonel  D'Egvillc  looked  tho  gratification  he  felt  at  the  avowal.  "  I  am 
delighted.  Major  Montgomcrie,  to  hear  you  sa\'  so.  My  only  fear  was  that, 
in  making  those  chieftains  my  guests  at  the  same  moment  with  yourself  and 
riiece,  I  might  have  "unconsciously  appeared  to  slight,  where  slight  was  cor- 
tainlynot  intended.  You  must  be  aware,  however,  of  the  rank  held  bv  them 
among  their  respective  nations,  and  of  their  consequent  claim  upon  the  atten- 
tion of  one  to  whom  the  Indian  interests  have  been  flelegated." 

"  My  dear  sir,"  interrupted  the  Major,  eager  to  disclaim,  '•  I  trust  j^ou  liavo 
not  mistaken  mo  so  far,  as  to  have  imputed  a  reserve  of  .speech  and  manner 


80 


MATILDA     MON'TOOMERIE;    Oft, 


tlurinj  dinner,  to  wliich  T  cannot  but  plcarl  pnilty,  to  a  fastidiousnewfl  whidb. 
Ritiiated  as  f  ajn,  (and  lie  bowed  to  the  general  and  commodore.)  would  have 
bepn  wholly  misplaced.  My  distraction,  pardonable  perhaps  under  all  tho 
circumstances,  was  produced  entirely  by  a  recurrence  to  certain  inconveniences 
which  I  ll'It  might  arise  to  mc  from  my  imprisonment.  The  captive  bird,"  he 
pursued,  while  a  smile  for  the  first  time  animated  his  very  fine  countenance, 
'will  fine  within  its  cage,  however  gilded  the  wires  which  compose  it.  In 
every  sense,  my  experience  of  to-day  onl}'  leads  mc  to  the  expression  of  a 
hope,  that  all  whom  the  chances  of  war  may  throw  into  a  similar  position, 
ihay  meet  with  a  similar  reception." 

'•  Since,"  observed  the  General,  "'  your  private  affairs  arc  of  the  importance 
vou  exj)rcss.  Major  Montgomeric,  you  shall  depart  with  j-our  niece.  Perhaps 
I  am  rather  exceeding  my  powers  in  this  respect,  but,  however  this  may  be, 
I  sh.ill  take  the  responsibility  on  myself.  You  will  hold  yourself  pledged,  of 
course,  to  take  no  part  against  us  in  the  forthcoming  struggle,  until  3^011  have 
been  regularly  exchanged  for  whatever  ofDcer  of  3'our  own  rank,  may  happen 
to  fall  into  the  hands  of  your  countrymen.  I  .shall  dispatch  an  express  to  the 
Commander  iii-('liief,  to  intimate  this  fact,  requesting  at  the  same  time,  that 
yotir  name  may  be  i)ut  down  in  the  first  list  for  exchange." 

Major  Montgomeric  warmly  thanked  the  General  for  his  kind  ofTor,  of  which 
he  .said  he  should  be  glad  to  avail  himself,  as  he  did  not  like  the  idea  of  his 
niece  proceeding  without  him  to  Detroit,  where  she  was  an  entire  stranger. 
This,  he  admitted,  determined  as  she  had  appeared  to  be,  was  one  of  the  un- 
pleasant subjects  of  his  reilcction  during  dinner. 

With  a  view  of  turning  the  conversation,  and  anxious  moreover,  to  obtain 
every  information  on  the  subject,  the  general  now  inquired  in  what  estimation 
Tecumseh  was  gencrall3'  held  in  the  United  St.»tes. 

"Among  the  more  inte'.'igent  classes  of  our  citizens,  in  the  highest  possible,' 
was  the  reply  ;  "  but  by  those  who  are  not  .so  capable  of  judging,  and  who  only 
see.  in  the  iiuloinitable  courage  .and  elevated  talents  of  the  patriot  hero,  the 
stubborn  inflexibility  of  tho  mere  savage,  he  is  looked  upon  far  less  flatter- 
ingly. J{y  all,  however,  is  he  admitted  to  be  formidable  without  parallel,  in 
the  history  of  Indian  warfare.  His  deeds  are  familiar  to  .all.  and  Irs  name  is 
iriucli  such  a  bugbear  to  American  childhood,  as  Marlborough's  was  in  Franco, 
and  Napoleon's  is  in  England.  It  is  a  source  of  much  regret  to  our  Govern- 
ment never  to  have  been  enabled  to  conciliate  this  cxtrnordinarv  man." 

'•  Wl'.at  more  feasible."  remr.J'ked  the  General,  but  with  a  tone  and  manner 
that  could  not  possibl3'^  give  oflencc;  •'  had  not  the  difficult3'  been  of  its  own 
creation?  Treaty  after  treaty,  you  must  admit,  major,  had  been  made  and 
violated  under  various  pretexts,  while  the  real  motive — the  aggrandizement  of 
territories  already  embracing  a  vast  portion  of  their  early  possessions — waa 
carefully  sought  to  be  concealed  from  these  unfortunate  people.  IIow  was  it 
to  be  expected  then  that  n  man,  whom  the  necessities  of  his  country  had 
raised  up  to  itself  in  the  twofold  character  of  statesman  and  warrior — one 
gifted  with  a  power  of  analyzing  motives  which  has  never  been  surpassed  m 
sav.agc  life — how,  I  ask,  was  it  to  be  expected  that  lie,  with  all  these  injuries 
of  aggression  staring  him  in  the  face;,  should  have  been  won  over  by  a  show 
of  conciliation,  wliicli  long  experience,  independently  of  his  matured  judgment, 
must  have  assured  him  was  onl\'  held  forth  to  hoodwink,  until  fitting  oppor- 
tunity should  bo  found  for  again  throwing  off  tho  mask." 

''  I'o  the  charge  of  violating  treaties,"  returned  Major  Montgomeric.  who 
took  the  opposite  argument  in  perfectly  good  jiai't,  "  I  fear,  general,  our  Gov- 
ernment must  to  a  certain  extent  plead  guilty — much,  however,  remains  to  be 
Biiid  in  excuse.  In  the  first  pi.ace,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  territory 
of  the  United  States,  unlike  the  kingdom  of  Europe,  has  no  fixed  or  settled 
boundary  whereby  to  determine  its  own  relative  bear.ng.  True  it  is,  that  we 
have  the  Canadas  on  one  portion  of  our  frontier,  but  this  being  a  fixed  lino  of 
demarcation,  there  can  exist  no  question  as  to  a  mutual  knowledge  of  the  tcr- 
ritarial  claims  of  both  couutr'cs.     Unlike  that  of  the  old  world,  however  oui 


;ncM)  whidb. 
would  have 
nder  all  the 
:;onvt'nionces 
ivc  bird,"  he 
Muntonance, 
ipose  it.  In 
)ression  of  a 
ilar  position, 

J  importance 
;e.  Perhaps 
this  may  he, 
f  pledged,  of 
itil  you  have 
may  happen 
xprcss  to  the 
ne  time,  that 

fler,  of  which 
c  idea  of  his 
:irfc  stranger, 
le  of  the  un- 

ver,  to  obtain 
lat  estimation 

est  possible,' 
and  who  only 
riot  hero,  the 
less   flatter- 
it  parallel,  in 
d  Irs  name  is 
iras  in  France, 
»  our  Govcrn- 
nian." 
and  manner 
en  of  its  own 
n  made  and 
ndizcmcnt  of 
lessions — was 
IIow  was  it 
country  had 
warrior — one 
surpassed  m 
icse  injuries 
r  by  a  show 
ed  judgment, 
fitting  oppor- 


gomeric. 


who 


ral,  our  Gov- 
romains  to  be 
the  territory 
ed  or  settled 
it  is,  that  wo 
fixed  lino  of 
ge  of  the  tor- 
however  oui 


THE     rROPHECY     FDLFILLBO. 


11 


population  is  rapidly  progressing,  and  whore  are  wc  to  fmd  an  outlet  for  the 
surplus  of  that  population  unless,  unwilling  as  we  are  to  come  into  collision 
with  our  more  civilized  neighbors,  we  can  ])iisirthom  forward  into  the  interior. 
In  almost  all  the  contracts  entered  into  by  our  (Tovernmcnt  with  the  Indians, 
large  sums  have  been  given  for  the  lands  ceded  by  the  latter.  This  was  at 
once,  of  course,  a  tacit  and  mutual  revocation  of  any  antecedent  nrranj-emeiits, 
and  if  instances  have  occurred  wherein  the  sacrechiess  of  treaty  has  been  vio- 
lated, it  has  only  been  where  the  Indians  have  refused  to  part  with  their  .ands 
for  the  proffered  consideration,  and  when  those  lands  have  been  absolutely  in- 
dispensable to  our  agricultural  purposes.  Then  indeed  has  it  been  found  ne- 
cessary to  resort  to  force.  That  this  principle  of  ''  might  being  the  right,"  may 
he  condemned  in  limine  it  is  true,  but  how  otherwise,  with  a  superabundant 
population,  can  we  possibly  act  ?" 

"  A  superabundance  of  territory,  I  grant  you,  but  surely  not  of  population," 
remarked  the  commodore  ;  "  were  the  citizens  of  tlie  United  States  condensed 
into  the  space  allotted  to  Europeans,  3't)U  might  safely  dispense  with  half  the 
Union  at  this  moment." 

"  And  what  advantages  should  wc  then  derive  from  the  possession  of  nearly 
a  Vviiole  continent  to  ourselves?" 

"Every  advantage  that  may  be  reaped  consistently  with  common  justice. 
What  would  be  thought  in  Europe,  if,  for  instance  to  illustrate  a  point,  and 
ass'iniing  tlie-e  two  countries  to  be  in  a  state  of  profound  peace,  Spain,  on  the 
principle  of  might,  should  push  her  surplus  population  into  Portugal,  compel- 
ling the  latter  kingdom  to  retire  back  on  herself,  and  crowd  her  own  subjects 
into  the  few  provinces  that  might  yet  bo  left  to  them." 

'•I  cannot  admit  the  justice  of  your  remark,  commodore,"  returned  Major 
Montgomerie,  gradually  warming  into  animation  ;  ''Jjoth  are  civilized  powers, 
holding  the  same  rank  and  filling  nearly  the  same  scale  among  the  nations  of 
Europe.  Moreover,  there  does  not  exist  the  same  diiferenee  in  the  natural 
man.  The  uneducated  negro  is.  from  infancy  and  long  custom,  doomed  to 
slavery,  wherefore  should  the  copper  colored  Indian  be  more  free  ?  15ut  my 
argument  points  not  at  their  subjection.  I  would  merely  show  that,  ini;apa- 
ble  of  benefitting  by  tl;e  advantages  of  the  soil  they  inherit,  they  should  learn 
to  3'ield  it  with  a  good  grace  to  those  who  can.  Their  wants  are  few,  and  in- 
terminable woods  yet  remain  to  them,  in  which  their  hunting  pursuits  may  bo 
indulged  without  a  fear  of  interruption." 

"That  it  will  be  long,"  observed  the  General,  "before,  in  so  vast  a  conti- 
nent, they  will  be  without  a  final  resting  place,  I  readily  admit ;  but  the  hard- 
ship consists  in  this — that  they  are  driven  from  particular  positions  to  which 
their  early  associations  lend  a  preference.  What  was  it  that  stirred  into  a 
flame,  the  fierce  hostility  o'f  Tecnmseh  but  the  determination  evinced  by  your 
(Jovernment  to  wrest,  fi'oin  the  hands  of  his  tribe,  their  last  remaining  favorite 
haunts  on  the  Wabash  ?" 

'•  This  cannot  be  denied,  but  it  was  utterly  impo.ssiblc  we  could  forego  the 
possession  of  countries  bordering  so  immediately  on  our  settlements.  Ilad  we 
pushed  our  colonization  further,  leaving  the  tribes  of  the  Wabash  in  interme- 
diate occupation,  we  ran  the  risk  of  having  our  .settlers  cut  olfin  detail,  at  the 
slightest  assumed  provocation.  Nay,  pretexts  would  have  been  sought  for 
the  purpose,  and  the  result  of  this  would  have  been  the  very  war  into  which 
we  were  unavoidably  led.  The  only  difference  was,  that,  instead  of  taking  up 
arms  to  avenge  our  slaughtered  kinsmen,  we  anticipated  the  period  that  must 
■ooncr  or  later  have  arrived,  by  ridding  ourselves  of  the  proiJnce  of  those  frooi 
whose  hostility  we  had  cverytliing  to  apprehend." 

"  The  expediency  of  the.se  measures,"  .said  the  General,  "  no  one,  Major,  can 
of  course  doubt;  the  only  question  at  i.s.sue  is  their  ju.stice,  and  in  making  this 
remark  it  must  be  obvious  there  is  no  particular  allusion  to  the  United  States, 
further  than  that  country  serves  to  illustrate  a  general  principle.  I  am 
merely  arguing  against  the  right  of  a  strong  pcwer  to  wrest  from  a  weakei 


ss 


MATILDA     MONTOOMEnin;     OR, 


what  mny  bo  essential  to  its  own  interest,  without  reference  to  theccmfcrt,  ai 
wrislics,  or  convonicnce  of  the  latter. 

•'  In  supIi  lijrlit  assuredly  do  I  take  it,"  observed  Major  Montjromoric,  how- 
inp;  IiIm  siiisc  of  the  disclaimer.  "  ]iut  to  prove  to  yon,  penerai,  that  we  arc 
only  following  in  the  course  pursued  hy  every  other  people  of  the  world,  let 
iis.  without  ;j;oin!r  back  to  the  days  of  baibarisin,  when  the  several  kin;z;doinH 
of  Kurope  ware  overrun  by  the  strongest,  and  when  your  own  country  in  par- 
ticular became  in  turn  the  prey  of  Saxons,  Danes.  Normans,  &c.,  merely 
plance  our  eyes  upou  those  provinces  which  have  been  subjugated  by  luoru 
civilized  Fluropc.  Look  nt  South  America,  for  instance,  and  then  .say  what 
we  liave  done  that  has  not  been  far  e.xceedcd  by  the  Spaniards,  in  that  por- 
tion of  the  heuusphere — and  yet,  with  this  vast  diflerence  in  tlie  balance,  that 
there  tlie  European  drove  before  him  and  mercilessly  destroyed  an  unofTeud- 
ti\^  race,  wliile  we.  on  the  contrary,  have  had  fierce  liostility  and  treachery 
everywhere  opposed  to  our  progress.  The  Spaniards,  moreover,  offered  no 
equivalent  for  the  country  subdued ;  now  we  liave  ever  done  .so,  and  only 
■where  that  equivalent  has  been  rejected,  have  we  found  ourselves  compelled 
to  resort  to  force.  Look  ai^ain  at  the  islands  of  the  West  Indies,  the  chief  of 
which  are  conquests  by  England.  W'hero  are  the  people  to  whom  I*rovidenco 
had  originally  assigned  those  countries,  until  the  European,  in  his  thirst  for 
ftggrandizenunt.  on  th.at  very  principle  of  might  which  you  condemn,  tore 
theiii  violently  away.  Gone,  extirpated,  tnitil  scarce  a  vestige  of  their  existence 
remauis,  even  as  it  must  be,  in  the  course  of  time,  with  the  Lidians  of  those 
•wilds — perh.aps  not  in  this  century  or  the  next,  but  soon  or  late  assuredly. 
These  two  people — the  South  Americans  and  Caribs — I  particularly  instance, 
for  the  very  reason  that  they  otfer  the  most  striking  parallel  with  the  imme- 
diate subject  under  discussion.  But  shall  I  go  further  than  this,  gentlemen. 
tnd  niiiintain  that  we,  the  United  States,  are  only  following  in  the  course 
originally  pointed  out  to  us  b}''  England." 

'•  1  should  be  glad  to  hear  your  argument,''  said  the  Commodore,  drawing 
his  chair  closer  to  the  table. 

•'And  L"  added  the  General,  ''consider  the  position  too  novel  not  to  fe<^l 
interested  in  the  manner  in  which  it  will  be  maintained." 

"  I  will  not  exactly  say,"  observed  Colonel  D'Egville,  smiling  one  of  hi.H 
blandest  smiles,  and  few  men  understood  the  winning  art  better  than  himself, 
"that  Major  Monlgomerie  has  the  happy  talent  of  making  the  worse  appear 
the  better  cause  ;  but  certainly,  I  never  remember  to  have  heard  that  cause 
more  ably  advocated." 

''  More  subtly  perhaps  you  would  say.  Colonel ;  but  seriously,  I  speak  from 
conviction  alone.  It  is  true,  as  a  citizen  of  the  L^ipted  States,  and  therefore  one 
interested  in  the  fair  fame  of  its  public  acts,  that  conviction  may  partake  in 
pome  degree  of  partial  influences  ;  still  it  is  sincere.  But  to  ni)'  argument. 
What  I  would  maintain  is,  as  I  have  before  stated,  that  in  all  we  have  done 
we  have  only  followed  the  example  of  England.  For  instance,  when  the 
colonisation  of  the  Eastern  and  Southern  states  of  the  Union  took  place,  that 
is  to  say,  when  our  common  ancestors  first  settled  in  this  coimtr}'.  how  was 
their  object  etlected  ?  Why,  by  driving  from  their  possessions  near  the  sea.  in 
order  ta  make  room  for  themselves,  those  very  nations  whom  we  arc  accused 
of  a  desire  to  exterminate,  as  if  out  of  a  mere  spirit  of  wantonness.  Did 
either  English  or  Dutch  then  hesitate  fts  to  what  course  they  should  pursue, 
or  sutler  any  qualms  of  conscience  to  interfere  with  their  colonial  i)lans  7 
No;  as  a  measure  of  policy — as  a  means  of  secnritj? — they  sought  tocouciliato 
the  Indians,  but  not  the  less  determined  were  they  to  attain  their  end.  Who, 
then,  among  Englishmen,  would  have  thought  of  blaming  their  fellow  countr}-- 
men,  when  the  object  in  view  was  the  aggrandizement  of  the  natiovial  power, 
»nd  the  furtherance  of  individual  interests  ?  AVhilc  the  colonists  continued 
tributary  to  England  the)'  could  do  no  wrong — they  incurred  no  censure.  Eaclj 
■uoceeding  year  saw  them,  with  a  .spirit  that  was  then  deemed  worthy  of  c«>m- 


fV  4     PROPHECY     fVLFILLRD. 


33 


inerie,  how- 
thiit  w(!  nro 
n  worlfl.  let 
il  kin?;cloinH 
ntry  in  pur- 
&c.,  im-rcly 
ed  by  moro 
n  say  what 
in  that  por- 
inliince.  that 
m  unoflcnd- 
d  tronchory 
r,  olRTcd  no 
;o,  and  only 
'S  compelled 
♦he  chief  of 
,  I^rovidenco 
lis  thirst  for 
ndomn,  tore 
eir  existence 
ans  of  these 
e  assuredly. 
r!y  instance, 
h  the  inime- 
,  pentlenM-n. 
I  the  course 

)re,  drawing 

I  not  to  fed 

one  of  hif* 
an  liimself, 
e  appear 
that  cause 


or 


peak  fronj 
ercfore  one 
lartiike  in 
argument, 
have  done 
when  the 
place,  that 
.  liow  wa» 
the  sea.  in 
arc  accused 
noRs.  Did 
uld  pursue, 
lial  i)lans  1 
o  conciliate 
nd.  Who, 
wcoinitr)-- 
nal  power, 
continued 
ure.  Eacli 
tliy  of  com- 


mendation, pushi'\p  -heir  advantages  an  1  extendins;  their  possessions,  to  the 
utter  2xclusi')p  i^u  at  tlic  expense  of  the  orif,'ii\al  possessors  of  the  soil.  For 
tliis  they  •n'"i»'"\.'d  no  blame.  But  mark  the  rh:ine;e :  no  sooner  had  the  war 
of  the  '■ev']"*ion  terminated  in  our  emanoipation  from  the  loadinp;  strinj^s  of 
'^hiidho'-d  -no  sooner  had  we  taiven  runk  anionu;  the  ar-knowlcdtjed  nations  of 
<h")  '"0''.u — no  sooner  had  \vc,  in  a  word,  started  into  existence  as  an  ori^iinal 
<j<»op'e — than  the  course  we  had  undeviatinjuly  pursued  in  infancy,  and  from 
•v^iich  we  ilid  not  dream  of  swerving  in  manhood,  Ijecaine  a  subject  for  un- 
iualified  censure.  What  had  been  considered  laudable  enterprise  in  tha 
cInQ;lisli  coloinst,  became  unpardonable  aml>ition  in  the  American  republican  ; 
and  acts  aflectini;  the  national  prosperity,  that  carried  with  them  tlie  appro- 
bation of  society  and  good  government  during  our  nonage,  were  stigmatized 
as  odious  and  grasping  the  moment  we  had  attained  our  majority." 

"  Most  ably  and  eloquently  argued,  M.ijor."  interrupted  the  general,  ''  and 
I  fear  with  rather  more  truth  than  we  Englishmen  are  quite  willing  \o 
acknowledge:  still  it  must  be  admitted,  that  what  in  the  first  instance  was  n 
necessity,  partook  no  longer  of  that  character  at  a  later  period.  In  order  to 
colonize  the  country  original!}',  it  was  necessary  to  select  such  i)ortious  as 
were,  by  their  proximity  to  the  sea,  indispensable  to  the  perfection  of  the  plan. 
If  the  English  colonists  drove  the  Indians  into  the  interior,  it  was  only  for  a 
period.  They  had  still  vast  tracts  to  traverse,  which  have  since,  figuratively 
speaking,  been  reduced  to  a  mere  span:  and  their  very  sense  of  the  dilferente 
of  the  motive — that  is  to  say,  of  the  dilTercnce  between  him  who  merely  sevk.i 
whereon  to  erect  Ins  dwelling,  and  him  who  is  anxious  to  usurp  to  hin»se!f  the 
pos.sc.ssion  of  an  almost  illimitable  tenitor}- — cannot  be  better  expressed  than 
by  the  dilferent  degrees  of  enmity  manifested  against  the  two  several  peoj)fc. 
When  <lid  the  fierceness  of  Indian  hatred  bl'>7.c  forth  against  theEng'isli  colo- 
nists, who  were  limited  in  their  views,  as  it  has  since  against  tlie  subjects  of 
the  United  States,  who,  since  the  Kcvolution,  have  more  than  tripled  their 
territorial  .acquisitions?" 

'"Nay,  general."  replied  the  American,  his  lip  partiall}''  curling  with  a  smile, 
indicatiiig  consciou.sness  oi'  triumphant  argument ;  •'  I  sl.all  defeat  you  on  your 
own  ground,  and  th.at  by  going  back  to  a  period  anterior  to  the  rcvolution^- 
to  the  very  period  you  describe  as  being  characterised  by  less  intense  hostility 
lo  your  own  government." 

'■  What,  for  instance,  have  we  .seen  in  modern  times,  to  equal  the  famotis 
Indian  league,  which,  under  the  direction  of  the  celebrated  Poutiac,  a  chieftaia 
only  surpassed  by  Tecumseh,  consigned  so  many  of  the  European  posts  lo 
destruction,  along  this  very  line  of  district,  about  the  middle  of  the  last  celi- 
lur}'.  It  has  been  held  up  as  a  reproach  to  us,  that  wo  have  priticipally 
subjected  ourselves  to  the  ran'^orous  enmity  of  the  Indians,  in  consecpience  of 
having  wrested  from  them  their  favorite  and  beautiful  hunting  grounds.  (Ken 
tucky  in  particular,)  to  whicii  their  early  associations  had  linked  them.  Bdt 
to  this  I  answer,  that  in  Pontiac's  time  this  country  was  still  tlieir  own.  as 
well  as  Ohio,  Louisiana.  Indiana,  etc.,  and  yet  the  war  of  fierce  extermination 
was  not  the  less  waged  towards  the  Engii.sli  ;  not  because  these  latter  h.'id 
appropriated  their  principal  haunts,  but  because  they  h.ad  driven  them  from 
their  original  possessions  near  the  si>a.  The  hatred  of  the  Indians  has  c\''er 
been  the  same  towards  those  wlio  first  secured  a  footing  on  their  continent, 
and,  although  we  arc  a  distmct  people  in  the  eyes  of  the  civilized  woild,  .still 
we  are  the  same  in  those  of  the  natives,  who  see  in  us,  not  the  emancipated 
American,  but  merely  the  descendant  of  the  original  colonist.  That  their 
hostility  has  progressed  in  proportion  with  our  extension  of  territory,  I  can- 
not altogether  admit,  for  although  our  infant  settlement.s  liave  in  a  great 
degree  suffered  from  occasional  irruptions  of  the  savages,  w  hen  men.  women 
and  children,  have  alike  been  devoted  to  the  murderous  tomahawk,  in  no 
way  have  our  fortresses  been  systcmaticallv  assailed,  as  during  the  time- of 
Pontiac."  * 

'  For  this,"  interrupted  the  general,  "  there  are  two  obvious  r'^asons.   In  tha 


MATILDA     MONTOONERIK;     OR, 


fli"st  instance,  your  fortrosscs  arc  less  isolated  tlmii  ours  wore  at  tl.At  ficrtct?, 
irtvl  secondly,  no  snch  intelligent  hoin,.;  as  the  cliieftain  yon  have  named,  hn(i 
ittarted  up  anionj!:  the  Indian  nations  until  now.  What  Tcnunsch  may  not 
e(re('t  in  course  of  time,  sJioiild  he  not  perish  in  the  stnipgle  for  his  country's 
libcrfy.  ought  to  be  a  matter  jf  serious  consideration  with  your  Oovernuient." 

"  Of  his  great  talents  and  dauntless  determination  they  aro  fully  aware," 
replied  the  major  ;  "  but  as  I  have  already  said,  nothinj,;  short,  not  merely  of 
Itiviny  up  all  claim  to  future  advantages,  but  of  restoring  the  cotmtry  wrested 
fronj  him  on  the  Wabash,  can  ever  win  him  from  his  hostility  ;  and  this  is  a 
sacrifice  the  Government  will  never  consent  to  n)ako."» 

At  this  point  of  the  argument,  Messieurs  Split-log,  Round-head,  and  Walk- 
in-the-water,  having  finished  their  kinni-kinnick,  ami  imbibed  a  due  quantum 
of  whiskey  ;  possibly,  moreover,  not  much  entertained  by  the  conversation 
that  was  carried  on  in  a  language  neither  of  them  undei-stood  bnt  imperfectly, 

nto  take  their  leave.     They  successively  shook  hands  with  the  British 
ers,  then  ailvanoing  tosvards  Major  Montgomerie,  with  a  guttural  "'  Ugh," 

:«o  accentuated   as  to  express  good  will  and  satisAirtion.  tendered  their  dark 
jpalms  to  (hat  officer  also,  muttering  as  they  did  something  aVjout  "good  Che- 
mocomon."   They  then  with  becoming  dignity  withdrew,  followed  by  Colonel 
D'F.gville,  who  had  risen  to  conduct  them  to  the  door. 
,    The  conversation,  thus  temporarily  interrupted,  was  resumed  on  that  offl- 

...eer'.s  return. 

.._  "  Admitting  the  truth  of  your  position,  Jfajor  Montgomcrie,"  remarked  tho 
Commodore,  "that  the  Government  of  the  United  States  is  justified,  both  by 
•xpediency  and  example,  in  the  course  it  has  pursued,  it  will  not  at  least  ho 
denied,  that  Tecumseh  is,  on  the  very  same  jn-inciple,  borne  out  in  the 
hatred  and  spirit  of  hostility  evinced  by  him  towards  the  oppressors  of  his 
count '•y." 

'•  Granted,"  returr:ed  the  Major,  "  but  this  point  has  no  reference  to  my 
argument,  wl'.ieh  tends  to  m:\intain,  thai,  in  all  wo  have  done,  we  have  been 
justified  by  necessity  and  example." 

'•  Tho  fact  is,  however,  that  this  position  of  things  is  one  unavoidably  grow- 
ing out  of  the  clashing  of  adverse  interests — the  Indians  being  anxious  to 
chock,  we  to  extend,  our  dominion  and  power  as  a  people ;  and  the  causes 
existing  now  were  in  being  nearly  a  century  ago,  and  will,  in  all  probability 
continue,  until  all  vestige  of  Indian  existence  shall  have  passed  Utterly  away. 
"'tVhen  the  French  were  in  the  occupancy  of  the  Canadas,  having  nothing  to 

.  gain  from  them,  they  cultivated  tlie  alliance  and  friendship  of  the  several 
nations,  and  by  fostering  their  fierce  hostility  against  the  English  colonists, 
rendered  them  subservient  to  their  views.     To-day  the  English  stand  precisely 

"  where  the  French  did.  Having  little  to  expect  from  the  Indians  but  assistance 
in  a  case  of  need,  they  behold,  and  have  for  yeiu-s  beheld,  with  anything  but 
jjidiflerence,  the  struggle  continued   by  the   United  States  which  was  com- 

.  menced  by  themselves.     I  hope  I  shall  not  be  understood  as  expressing  my 

r.own  oi)inion,  when  I  ad<l,  that  in  the  United  States,  the  same  covert  influence 
i»  attributed  to  the  commanders  of  the  British  fortresses  that  was  imputed 
to  the  French.      Indeed  it  is  a  general  belief!  among  the  lower  classes  particu- 

.  larly,  that,  in  all  the  wars  undertaken  against  the  American  out-posts  and 
Bettlements,  the  Indians  have  been  instigated  to  the  outrage  by  liberal  distri- 

1   feutions  of  money  and  presents  from  the  British  Government." 

j>       "  It  will  hardly  be  neccssnry  to  deny  the  justice  of  such  an  imputation  to 

-  Sfajor  Montgoinerie,"  remarked  the  General,  with  a  smile,  "  especially  after 
i  having  disavowed  the  opinion  as  his  own.     Tho  charge  is  too  alsurd  for 

-  wsrious  contradiction — yet  we  are  not  altogether  ignorant  that  such  animprcs 
^  Bion  has  gone  abroad." 

*'  Few  of  the  more  enlightened  of  our  citizens  give  into  the  belief,"  said  tho 
%  Major ;  "still  it  will  give  me  especial  pleasure  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  con- 
tradict the  assertion  from  the  lips  of  General  Brock  himself." 
"  That  we  have  entered  into  a  treaty  of  alliance  with  the  Indians,"  ob^fiTed 


at  U.«t  yicricfl, 
avc  named,  hiul 
ninsch  inrvy  not 
3r  his  country's 
r  Governinont." 
•e  fully  aware," 
t,  not  merely  of 
•ountry  wrested 
^  ;  and  this  is  a 

ic!u],  anrl  Walk- 
a  due  quantum 
he  convoTSition 
but  imperfectly, 
nth  the  British 
2;uttural  ''  Ugh," 
lored  their  dark 
bout  "  good  Che- 
)wecl  by  Colonel 

lied  on  that  ofR- 

;,"  remarked  tho 
ustified,  both  by 
i  not  at  least  bo 
orne  out  in  tho 
(pprcssors  of  liia 

reference  to  my 
J,  we  have  been 

avoidably  grow- 
ling anxious  to 
and  the  causes 
all  probability 
1  utterly  away. 
iviiig  nothing  to 
)  of  t!>e  several 
nglish  colonists, 
1  stand  precisely 
IS  but  assistance 
th  anything  but 
vliich  was  corn- 
expressing  my 
covert  influence 
at  was  imputed 
;!as.ses  particu- 
in  out-posts  and 
by  liberal  distri- 

in  imputation  to 

■'  especially  after 

too  absurd  for 

such  an  impres- 

bclief."  said  tho 
ly  power  to  con- 

dians."  ob-viTed 


THE     P  n  O  F  H  E  C  Y     F  U  I.  F  I  L  ..  E  D  . 


SB 


nolrinel  TVEgvillo.  "is  most  certainly  true;  but  it  is  an  allianco  w'loily  de- 
fensive. T  must  further  oliservo,  that  in  whatever  light  tho  policy  of  the 
fJovcrnment  of  the  tTnitod  State:,  in  its  relations  witli  the  Tndli^tis.  may  Iw 
j)riviitely  viewed,  \vc  are,  nniler  all  circumstances,  the  last  people  in  the  worlfl 
who  should  condemn  it  as  injurious  to  our  public  interests,  since  it  hits  been 
productive  of  results  aflecting  the  very  cxistehcn  of  these  provinces.  Hiid  the 
American  Govorrimf-nt  stmliod  conciliation  ratlicr  than  extension  of  territory, 
it  is  difTlcult  to  s^y  to  what  side  the  great  body  of  the  Tudians  wortltj,  m  ilic 
hupending  struggle,  have  leaned,  Tlje  possibility  of  some  such  event  »s  the 
present  had  not  only  been  foreseen,  but  anticipated.  It  has  tort^  been 
obvious  to  us  that  (he  sj);rit  of  acquisition  manifested  by  the  United  Staten, 
would  not  confine  itself  to  its  customary  channels;  but  on  tho  contrary,  thfit, 
not  contented  with  the  appropriation  of  the  huntmg  grounds  of  the  Indians, 
it  would  Jlnally  extend  its  views  to  Canada.  Such  a  crisis  has  long  been  pr(>- 
vitled  against.  Presents,  to  a  large  amount,  have  certainly  been  distributed 
among  the  Tndi;ms.  and  not  only  this,  but  every  courtesy,  consistent  at  onco 
with  our  dignity  and  our  interest,  has  been  shown  to  them.  You  have;  seen, 
f  )r  instance,"  continued  he  with  a  smile,  "  my  three  friends  who  have  just  left 
the  room  ;  they  are  not  exactly  the  happiest  specimens  of  Indian  grace,  bnt 
they  have  great  Weight  in  the  council,  and  are  tho  leading  men  m  the  alliance 
to  which  yon  alltidofl,  although  not  wholly  for  tho  same  purpos'c.  In  the  wars 
of  t'ontiae — and  these  are  still  fresh  in  tiie  recollection  of  certain  members  o'f 
my  own  family — the  English  commanders,  with  one  or  two'  exceptions, 
brought  those  disasters  upon  themselves.  Forgetting  that  the  Indians  wcto 
a  ]iroud  people,  whom  to  neglect  was  to  stir  into  hatred,  they  treated  thcra 
v.itli  indiilerenoe,  if  not  with  contempt ;  ami  dearly  did  they  paiy  the  peUaltT 
of  their  fault.  As  we  all  know,  they,  with  only  one  exception,  were  destroyed. 
In  their  fall  expired  the  hostility  they  themselves  had  provoked,  ami  time  had 
wholly  obliterated  the  sense  of  injustice  from  tho  minds  of  the  several  nations. 
^Vere  we  then,  with  these  f(;arful  examples  yet  fresh  in  our  recollection,  to 
fall  into  a  similar  error  ?  No:  a  cour.so  of  conciliation  wa.-*  adopted,  and  hn3 
been  ]tur.sued  for  years  ;  and  nc"-'  'io  '..o  reap  the  fruit  of  what,  after  all,  la 
but  an  n'-t  of  j-ustifiablc  policy.  In  my  capacity  of  Superintendent  of  Indian 
alfairs.  Major  Montgomorie,  even  more  than  as  a  Canadian  brought  up  among 
them.  I  liave  had  opportunities  of  studying  the  characters  of  the  h-ea<ls  of  tho 
several  nations.  The  most  bitter  enmity  animates  the  bo.soms  of  all  against 
the  Oovernment  and  people  of  the  United  States,  from  whom,  according  to 
their  own  showing,  they  have  to  record  injury  upon  injury  ;  whereas  from  ua 
they  have  received  but  beuellts.  I  repeat,  this  is  at  once  politic  and  ju.st. 
What  could  Canada  have  hoped  to  accomplish  in  tho  approaching  struggle, 
had  tho  conduct  of  the  American  Government  been  such  as  tohave>icutraiizecl 
the  interest  we  had  excited  in  and  for  ourselves  ?  She  m\i.st  h.'ivo  succumbed  j 
and  my  llrm  impression  i,s.  that  at  whatever  epoch  of  her  existence,  the  United 
States  may  extend  tho  hand  of  conquest  over  these  colonies,  with  the  Indian 
tribes  tiiat  are  now  leagued  with  us  crowdinc^  to  her  own  standard,  not 
all  the  armies  that  England  may  choo.sc  to  send  to  their  defcQce  will  bo  able 
to  prevent  it." 

'•Filling  the  situation  you  now  occupy.  Colonel,  there  can  be  no  doubt  yoo 
are  in  every  way  enabled  to  arrive  at  a  full  knowledge  of  Indian  feelings  and 
Indian  interests  ;  and  we  have  but  too  much  reason  to  fear,  that  the  strong 
hatred  to  the  Unite<l  States  yon  describe  as  existing  on  the  part  of  their  seve- 
ral leaders,  has  ha<l  a  tcndimcy  to  unite  them  more  cordially  to  the  British 
v''au.«;e.  But  your  course  of  ob.scrvation  .suggests  another  question.  Why  is 
it  that,  with  the  knowledge  j)0s.sessed  by  the  British  Government  of  the  cruel 
natiue  of  Indian  warfare,  it  can  consent  to  enlist  them  as  allies?  To  prevent 
their  taking  up  arms  against  the  Canadas  may  be  well,  but  in  my  opinion, 
(■\m\  it  is  one  generally  entertained  through  tho  United  States.)  the  iniluenca 
of  the  British  a\ithorilie.s  should  have  been  contined  to  neutralizing  theil 
ser-iees." 


MATILDA     MONTOONF.  Rrc;     On, 


*' Nnv,"  Major  Moritp;<»morii\"  observed  tic  Cinicrnl.  'Mtwotilrl  in./cod  htt 
•xnctiiij;  too  much  tomniiio  th;it  wo  should  oiler  om-srltws  iinri'siNiiH);  vic- 
tims In  joiir  (Jovcrninciit  5  iukI  what  Init  Hclf-imniolutiun  \vo;  Id  it  In-  to  iih- 
•taiii  from  the  only  mfniis  l>v  whifh  wo  can  hopo  to  savo  iht-sc  thioatcnc*! 
rroviiirc". "?  Coluiicl  D'Kgvilli'lins  just  ;:nid  thit.  willi  ihe  Indians  ()|  |m)s(  ij 
to  us,  Canada  wonld  fall.  I  };!;»  farther,  nnd  aver  tlnit,  without  lli<'  aid  of  thu 
Indian^,  cirrinnstanccd  ns  Kni^land  now  in.  Canaihi  must  l»e  lost  to  us.  It  \h 
%  painful  ttUornativi'.  I  admit,  for  tlint  n  wai,  which  i^  not  cnrrit'd  on  with  tho 
conventional  courtesies  of  civilized  helli;;erent  nations,  is  littlo  Miiled  to  our 
toste,  you  will  do  ns  the  justice  to  helievc  ;  hut  l>y  whom  have  we  heen  forced 
Into  the  dilemma  ?  Had  w(!  heen  miilty  of  rousnij^  tlie  Indian  spirit  a'-ninst 
yon,  with  a  view  to  selfish  advanta};t>;  or  ha<l  we  in  any  way  conni^eil  at  llio 
destruction  of  your  settlements,  from  either  dread  or  jealousy  of  u)nr  too 
close  proximity,  then  should  we  have  deserved  all  the  odium  of  such  comlnct. 
But  this  we  ui>e(juivocally  deny. 

"  I  wonld  ask  yon,  on  the  other  hand,  if  you  arc  awnro  of  thepreat  exertion:* 
made  hy  your  (Joveraiment,  to  induce  them  to  take  an  active  part  in  this  very 
war.  If  not,  I  can  nc<inaint  you  that  several  of  the  chiefs,  now  here,  havo 
been  strongly  urged  to  declare  u^^ainst  «js  ;  and.  not  very  lonji;  since,  an  im- 
portant council  was  held  amon^  tho  several  trihes,  wherein  some  few.  who 
ha<l  been  won  over  hy  lari^e  brihes,  discu'^sed  the  |)ro|)riety  of  dcsiiiin'r  tho 
British  cause,  in  consideration  of  atlvawtajics  which  were  promise<l  them  by 
the  United  States.  These  of  course  were  overruled  h_,  the  majoiity.  who  ex- 
prcs.sed  tho  utmo.st  indi}!;nati(m  at  the  proposal  ;  hut  the  attempt  to  .secuie 
their  active  .services  was  not  the  less  made.  Wo  certainly  havo  every  reason 
to  congratulate  ourselves  on  its  riihirc." 

I.  "This  certainly  partakes  of  the  ari^umfiitmn  ad  /lomhtevt"  said  the  ^fa- 
jor,  pood  humoredly  ;  "  I  do  confess,  I  am  aware  lliaf,  since  the  idea  of  war 
against  En;;land  was  first  entertained,  great  ellorts  have  been  made  to  altiich 
the  Indians  to  our  interests;  and  in  all  probaliilily.  hud  any  other  man  than 
Tecumseh  presided  over  ^hoir  dcstmies,  our  fJovernment  woidd    have  ixen 

»  iucccssful.  I  however,  for  one.  am  no  advocate  for  their  employment  on  <'ither 
side;  for  it  must  be  admitted  they  arc  a  terrible  and  a  cruel  enemy,  .sparin;:; 
neither  age  n(M-  .sex." 

I  "Again,  Major,"  returned  tho  General,  "do  wo  shield  ourselves  under  o>ir 
ibrnvr  plea — that,  as  an  as.sailcd  party,  wo  have  a  riiiht  to  avail  ourselves  of 
whatever  means  of  defence  are  within  our  reach.  One  of  two  thiu'^s — either 
we  nnist  retain  tho  Indians,  wlio  are  bound  to  us  in  one  common  interest.  <>.•• 
Wc  must,  by  discarding  them,  quietly  surrender  the  Uanailas  to  your  armies. 

j  Few  will  be  Quixotic  cnou;.:;h  to  hesitate  as  to  wir.ch  of  tho  alternatives  wc 
Sliould  adopt." 

;  "  And  if  wc  fihonlii  be  accused  of  neglecting  the  means  of  preventing  un- 
necessary criiolty,"  tvbserved  Colonel  D'lviville.  "the  pi;o{)le  of  the  United 
States  will  do  n;  i'-anite  wrong.  This  very  cinMUustauce  has  been  fi)re.seen 
and  provided  avaiifst.  Without  the  power  to  jwevent  the  Indians  iVoni  enter- 
ing upon  these  expeditions,  we  have  at  least  done  ail   that  experience  and  a 

{.  thorough  knowledge  of  their  character  admits,  to  restrain  theii'  vcugeance.  by 

?,  the  promi.se  of  head  money.  It  has  been  made  generally  known  to  them 
that  every  prisoner  that  is  brought  in  and  delivered  up,  shall  entitle  the  cajjlor 
to  a  certain  .sum.     This  pronii.se,  I  have  no  doubt,  will   have   th.e  ell'ccjt.  not 

(■  only  of  saving  the  lives  of  those  who  are  attacked  in  their  settlements,  but  al.so 

i;  of  chocking  any  disposition  to  nnneces,sary  outrage  in  the  hoin- of  conliict." 
m      ''The  idea  is  one  certainly  reflecting  credit  on  the  humanity  of  the  Diitis'i 

,t,  •nthoritios,"  returned   Major   Montgomerie  ;  ''IjUt  I  confess  I  doubt  its  clli- 

'.cacy.  We  nil  know  the  nature  of  an  Indian  too  well  to  hoj>o  that  in  tho 
career  of  his  vengeance,  or  the  full  flush  of  victory,  he  will  waive  his  war 
troj)hy  in  consideration  of  a  few  dollars.  Tho  scalp  ho  may  fering,  but  .seldom 
a  living  head  with  it." 

'*lt  is,  I  fear,  the  horrid  estiiaation  in  which  the  .scalp  is  held,  that  too  fro 


IllirC'.SIsllll;^  VIC- 
l:.l(l  it  i>l'  to  till- 

lu'sc  tliieiitcnt'il 
Imliniis  (>||)()s*'il 
It  tli>'  niil  of  thu 
list  (i>  us.  It  \H 
riod  on  with  tliu 
lo  hiiitcil  to  our 
}  we  Ik'cii  forcid 
kii  spii  it  ii'ninst 
('oiiiiiu-d  III  tlio 
isy  nf  \  our  toi* 
i>f  ,siu;li  coudnct. 

•  jLMcat  o.vorlion.'j 
mrt  in  this  vt-ry 
now  lii'if.  hiivo 
■^  sincL'.  iin  ini- 
souu'  fi'W,  who 
)f  d('si'rliii;i  tlio 
>Miisfd  them  hy 
iijiirit}'.  who  v\- 
Llcnijit  to  srcine 
ivo  every  reason 

t,"  Kiiid  the  lAfn- 
thi'  idea  of  war 
niadi'  lo  attach 
other  man  than 
MiM  have  i)(  on 
vmenl  on  cither 
I'lieuiy.  sparin;^ 

clvos  under  onr 
ail  oinselves  of 
)  tliin;;.s — cither 
lion  isitcrest.  or 
to  your  armies, 
altciiialives  wc 

preventing;  im- 

e  of  the  United 

s  heen  furi'secn 

a  lis  iiimi  cnter- 

.xpericnee  and  u 

r  vcnf^tance.  I»y 

siiown  tv)  llieni 

ititle  tlio  captor 

tl'.e  elli'ct.  not 

iiu'iits.  hnt  also 

I- of  conflict." 

V  of  tlic  Dritis'i 

douht  its  efli- 

ojiu  tliat  in  tlio 

waive;  lus  war 

in''  but  .sel(h)iij 

Id,  that  too  fro 


TDK     PRUrilECV     rUL  FILLED. 


37 


l|Uent1y  whols  lh<»  hh»dcs  of  thcso  jKoph-,"  ohscrved  th«i  Coinniodorc.  "  Wor* 
it  not  ronsidered  a  Inipliy,  nioro  hvcn  \^(lill(^  he  stmred  ;  hut  un  IndiMi,  from 
all  I  can  understand,  takes  ftrentcr  prido  in  exhihitinf;  tho  Kcalp  of  n  Nhtin  en- 
emy, thnn  a  knight  of  nncicnt  timoM  did  in  displaying  in  his  helmet  Iho  glov« 
that  had  lieen  hcstowed  on  him  nn  n,  mark  of  favor  hy  his  lady-Iuvc." 

'•  .\fter  all."  saiil  the  (teiieral.  "  nc<Tssiiry  ns  it  is  to  <lisoo)iru(;(>  it  hy  every 
po4sihl<>  mark  of  disappridtiili'in,  I  do  not  Neo,  iii  the  mere  net  of  .sculping;,  half 
the  horn»rs  nsimlly  atta;;h(!<l  to  the  |»iacli(:e.  The  motive  ninst  Ikj  considereiL 
It  is  not  the  mere  desire  to  inHi<'t  wanton  torture  that  iidhienoeH  the  warrior 
hut  an  anxiety  i  >  possess  himself  of  that  which  (iives  undisputed  evidince  of 
hisconra'j:e  and  .11  :ccss  in  war.  The  jirejudice  of  Knropeuns  is  stnmjj;  u^^aini/ 
the  custom,  however,  and  we  look  upon  it  in  a  li^ht  very  dill'erent,  I  am  sure 
fnim  that  in  which  it  is  viewed  hy  the  Indmns  themselves.  The  hurniii'.'s  f>l 
prisoners,  which  were  practised  niany  years  a'^o,  no  lon;;er  continue  ;  and  th»« 
inllietion  of  the  tortun-  has  p;issed  away,  so  that,  after  all,  Indian  cruelty  dovu 
not  exceeil  that  which  is  practi.s<'d  even  at  this  day  in  Kiirope,  and  by  a  na- 
tion heariii;>;  high  rank  amon^  the  t.'atholic  jKiwers  of  Kuro|H'.  I  have  nu- 
merous letters,  recently  reciiivtnl  from  ollhrers  of  my  a(vpiaintaiK"e  now  s«^rv- 
iutc  in  Spain,  all  of  which  a'^ree  in  statiinc  that  the  mutilatioas  fM'rjK'traled  hy 
the  Gnerilia  hands,  on  the  bodies  of  such  of  the  unfortunate  French  detach- 
ments as  they  siux'eeiled  in  overpowering;,  far  exceeded  anythiuf!;  imfinted  to 
the  Indians  of  America  ;  and,  as  several  of  these  letters  are  from  individuatM 
who  joined  the  Peninsular  Army  from  this  country,  in  wdii<rh  they  had  passed 
many  years,  the  Kfateiuent  ma)'  he  relicvl  on  as  c<miin<;  from  men  who  liavft 
hud  more  than  hearsay  know!ed)j;e  of  both  partie.s." 

Here  a  tall,  nuedookin^  black,  wearinj;  the  livery  of  Colonel  I)'Kp;villo,  en- 
t<'rin;;  to  nimounce  that  cijffee  was  waiting  for  them  iu  aa  adjoininj;  room— 
Jie  party  rose  aud  retired  to  the  ladies. 


../;■ 


r*t 


OII^PTEK  VIL 


Many  of  onr  readers  will  doubtless  boar  in  mind  the  spot  called  Elliott's 
Point,  at  the  western  extremity  of  Lake  Erie,  to  which  we  have  already  in- 
troduced them.  At  a  consiilerahle  dist&nce  beyond  that  a^aiu  (its  interme- 
diate shores  washed  hy  the  silver  waves  of  the  Erie)  stretches  a  second,  called 
also,  from  the  name  of  its  proprietor,  Hartley's  Point.  lietweeii  the.se  two 
jiecks  are  three  or  four  fiirms  ;  one  of  which,  and  adjoining'  Hartley'.s.  w.as,  at 
the  i>eri<»d  of  which  we  treat,  occupied  hy  an  individual  of  whom,  unfortu- 
nately for  the  interests  of  Canada,  too  many  of  the  species  had  been  sullorcd 
to  take  root  within  her  soil. 

This  person  had  his  residence  near  Hartley's  Point  Uulikctho.se  however 
whose  dwellin;.;s  rose  at  a  distance,  lew  and  far  between,  hemmed  in  by  tho 
fruits  of  prosperous  a<rrictilture,  he  appeared  to  have  paid  but  little  attention 
to  the  cultivation  of  a  .sod,  which  in  every  part  was  of  exceed  in;;  fertility.  A 
rude  log  hut.  situated  in  a  clcarinv;  of  the  forest,  the  imperfect  work  of  lazy 
labor,  was  his  only  habitation,  and  here  he  had  for  j-ears  resided  without  its 
bein;;  known  how  he  contrived  to  procure  the  necessary  means  of  subsistence ; 
yet,  ill  defiance  of  tlie  appai'cnt  absence  of  all  resources,  it  was  subject  ot  gene- 
ral lemark,  that  he  not  only  never  wanted  money,  but  liad  been  enabled  to 
bestow  somethinjr  like  an  educiition  on  a  s<in,  who  had,  at  the  ein>ch  opened 
by  our  narrative,  been  absent  from  him  upwards  of  five  years.  From  his  fro* 
ijuent  voya.avs.  and  the  direction  his  canoe  was  seen  to  take,  it  was  inferred  by 
his  immediate  neighbors,  that  he  dealt  in  contraband,  procuring;  various  ar- 
ticles on  the  Acnoric.tii  coast,  which  he  Kubse(iuently  dispcsctl  of  in  the  small 
town  of  Aniherstburg  (one  of  the  principal  Enu;lish  poots)  ainonp;  certain 
Mubjects  domiciliated  there,  who  were  6U.spected  of  no  very  .scrupulous  desire 


NATIt,  tfA     K«t  n  I  IK)  K  W  II  I  K  ;     0N« 


ii\)v«>v  UU  o)tiM'ii(iiMn,  0»nl  ln»  l>  III  H^vvnyn   <iin|ij«iiil  in  wliiih*  iji  liM-iiun     luiii, 
ftit^itn^h  ^n-^hiyioii  ttHni»lioil  to  l»i«i  ciiniliu'l,  In  im  Im'<I«ii<i"  \w\  l|if  o|»»'iily  <''»(H' 
n(l)(iM|  hinHolC     i'l\(>  ntiMi  lilhtiitir  lull,  n'lHil,  iiii>l  ol  )i  f^irlfiiMntir  lo'Mt,  wa4 
•f  n  RhuIoj»«  nml  ivk<»IhU«  I'luMUKh'i,  nn  I  If  !»'  iwitiiliiil  lo  I'tiuijiup;,  II  win  Im' 
onuip  i'»\i«ti>jt  rtlniio  tiHiM  «»»i-vi»  )>)«  |»ni|»itrtt»M  ill  ft  i.'imiiirj',  tlio  lawfi  of  ii.liii;)i 

««\Mt»  >Wt  l))M»nly  ti>  b>'  lU'llotl 

>N>i'  ft  ptfilo.i  «r  y>rtr«i  iiHci'  llU  ni'il\*fll,  U«  htvl  wntilHvi'il  li»  »>viii|i>  luldnn  (liit 
W<UMnti»v  oiIUh  ornll»»p,inni>i>  {  IniMliin,  pvmiIuhIIv  nwftliitiiiiiii;  llin  Biii!|i!i'ii»iH 
<kf  Hu*  Hu»<^-{<ttirtov,  l>«'<>imlil  lilu»  iiuMi*  ii|iiiu'tli!>lplv  iiiiil»»r  tli<»ir  i»inv(>illiiiii'i>, 
«l)v*n  \«*i»v  nnt'i'  )i»nr,  lii»  «•«■<  t'»in>|((»l|itil  i<i  «  vmKfwnl »»!  Iliti  imlli,  Tot  tlii»  iiii|iii 
m'tiiM)  i»r  wl\'  '^v  l(  \vn»  ihiMiiilU,  l\i»  nv»i'i|  niim>  (Sion  iim*  of  llmsif  iiiii(»i 'I»(»I"'hii 
fiiivlav,  0\\  im»  bn'iiKiiiiv  iml  of  <li<<  wnr,  li>>  f)lil|  r«iMfii|ii>i|  ju  tinilislinbi'il 
|m>'»!«'H»liMi  of  hi"*  \M\\<^  ilwt'llhu):,  wntrluvl  m  \vt>ll  iim  i<iiiitiin(iliiiitii>H  wmiltl  |>>n  - 
i[tH,  H  (<(  Inic,  hot  tiot  >40  linirowh'  ii»  lo  Ix*  Iriiroil  ii«  I|ii4  vhi'idu  i  iii|i<loi  mil 
♦xvuvsimv*  b,v  \v»iftM\  NoMtiiijt  oooltl  lii»  (OHi'iMvcij  ioini>  iiiii>oii<li  ill  ni«'tiii>r 
%\\\\  ft|>|>i'^nrftl\.v  <Urtn  {\\\*  men  oiMliloir  oioro  villntiooM  llmt  lln»  i'V|in's:iit)ii 
of  \\\s  t\v\     N«»  oi»i<  hiUMV  iVoni  wlml  |ii»rl!i'olni-  poiiii  of  llitt  lJ(iili(i|  MlntcH  \\t) 


hk\\wn»^  ftU:)  \vU<'<lvor  YtiiiKi^o  oi'  Koolo- Klmi.  II  woiilit  hw»  imiaaIoiI  i)if,<  ui* 
Iftftt  iniv  of  l>oiu>\!*.  i»o  pi*ov(>ibmI  RMrtonmnii'~tt  IMiilniiitlpliliii  liiv\i,v«r  -lo  huv« 
f<Mt''miim\{. 

11^i>  «<«v  fi>tlowin)t  tl>«(  of  Uv  i'i\|»fnii>of  llii>  Ann'iii'iin  iltvlfti-'miiMil  wu«  inik 
^M^iuointt  *»»  «luvn.  t\H  two  inilivliloiiNrtpin'iii'iMl  on  llin  Hliiit  of  Uio  rinji)  ijIimii  - 
♦l\jl  n»  MftU'Utho  hot  of  th«»  \\\t\\\  wo  hnvi'  joul.  <l(>HiMi)»ml,  hivl  '••'cii  oiccloil, 

H^^O  ptMst^rt"*  ofhoill   tlu>M\  VVI'i»p|li'il   i«  hloi»  UUlllUW   t'loilIlM,  rt>|>'WH'il  lljMIII  llio 

dftiK  f\»lift!xv'  ill  ft  mnntvM  to  imiuI»1(>  Humo  (o  oI)noivii,  witlniol.  bt'tniv  Uii'imolvi  .>♦ 
l!N>iM\.  ftU  tjut  mssod  wtlhiu  tivo  ctonviiitr.  IVom  Iho  loji;  liiU  It)  tlio  Miuitl  of  tlio 
UKo  shons  Tlioiv  ]\t\\\  bcoo  no  i\»ilici«li\>n  liy  ooo  of  (lioso  of  n  <li'i~intl  lo  MJcp 
forth  l.»u\  his  «^Mv<vrtll«o\\t  m(o  llic  i>ltiiuioi<,  mvl  ixilvinri"  hoMly  lowiudt  llio 
honsv  {  h\\\  (Ills  liftil  luH  ,1  olKvKoilhy  liH  ootn|v»oion,  wlio,  iuyinir  IiIm  Iwtnil 
m^n  los  slhuil.Jor,  nnvslotl  i\u*  inovor.ioMl,  poiiilino  out  n\  llu<  huiiik  tinii>,  tlio 
Irisoivlv  loit  o.uitioos  .i(lv«\\iM>  of  (wo  ni.>n  fumi  llic  linl  IowiikIm  iIio  "lnot',  on 
fil\?oh  Uv  ft  «>.»ni>i>  lijilf  (Inuvn  op  oo  i\\o  Numl'<,  Kni-li,  on  i'<';ooi;r  fioni  tint 
^^\lU  'i;itl  »lrp>vsil\Ml  n  rillo  !KrtiM"<l  (lu'  jmU*  oNttniio'  of  tlio  tlwollin'!;,  Him  bolter 
I©  wtxib'i?  (hoin  hi  i-Onwy  ft  bjilil  mast,  nuII.  |v\iIiIIom,  Hovornl  blmiUoln  luiil  i\ 
f«>mm«)n  vs»» n  Kij?;. i»p|uivntly  «^^uliUllinf]r |)i'rtvi,sion»,  wilb  wbiiih  llicy  jiiiKmoUinl 
|fi)\v,ii>!s  tho  Os>HO,\ 

1^^  ''80."  Mitl  tho  trtlltM-  of  thi"  Hrst  paily.  in  n  \vliiM|vr,  "  Ihoio  Im  Ibiil,  il  -~— d 
fASv^ftl  IVsboiMOiih  soMtnjr  out  on  *>no  of  lii^oontrubunil  oxonrsioim.  Hi<  wnnii/i 
|o  bA\*»  ft  b>n;i;  absonvv  in  viow.  if  wo  nv!>y  jotlgt?  from  tlio  ooutontti  of  liiw  pro- 
vision ssi'k." 

'"  Ih^t.''  r(;jv>in(sl  bis  companion,  "tborois  nnm'  b(>ro  tbiui  inootn  thu  oyM. 
In  tb*"  t\>"sJ  in>t^»ntv,  tvmovp  tbo  pisloh  f^-»un  tbo  onsu,  uiul  bo  ptopuroU  U)  i»l' 
|Im\1  nv'  s•.■^i^;t;uu^^  sbouUl  !  ivqoiiv  it,'' 

'■  \Vb;»t  tbodoMl  an'  \on  o.x^injr  to  <b»  ?''  «)«KmvI  tbf  tbsil  Hptfnkor.  foIUnvin;; 
l^owovor  tao  hint  tb;\t  hfA  bivn  jxivon  biui,  niiil  voinovinjt  u  pair  of  ibiDlliii^ 
j>3sl»Ms  fn>m  their  n^nhojrnny  ortso. 

\Vi\ile  bo  wfts  in  tbo  aot  of  doing  this,  bis  ooinjvnnion  bml,  « itbont  roplyin;?, 
guittoil  biN  .<i>lo.  and  <\'>ntiou>5ly  svnd  ooisolossly  lulvunood  to  tbo  hot.  In  ilwi 
frMirse  »>f  ft  fow  tnnvuti\s  bo  ajrjim  j\ppo»>»vii  tit  tbo  point  wiiouoo  lu<  bad  .slurlod, 
•Mspinit  in  cilbor  band  the  ritlos  so  nnvntly  di  positoti  tboro. 

"  Wdl,  what  is  the  m«>anina:  of  tl\i«>  foi\t  ?  yon  <<o  not  intotui,  Ynnkoo  fiishion, 
|»  oxcbani^v  ft  U'»nc  shot  with  poor  MoliiuMU.  I  bopo — if  so,  my  ilonr  follow,  1 
^'v  off.  for  HjHni  my  honor,  I  cannot  onsnjjo  in  nnytbinit  tbiii  is  not  staolly 
frihiviox." 

*■  lit*,  thns  ftibircsstsl.  (\njbl  soarooly  restrain  ft  buvj:h  at  tb«  sorion.s  tono  i\i 
irhvh  Rj*  c\>m|«nior.  oxprcsstxl  himself,  as  if  bu  vorily  hdievod  ho  biul  that 
»bj<vt  in  TJfW. 

"  Wcmbi  von  not  like."  bo  a^kod.  ••  to  bo  in  some  doirroo  instruinentnl  i:i 


T  II  I!    •'  l(  (•  V  »  II  t'  V    ptn.ttt.tnif. 


|i  li'iliitn  -  ttiid, 

il^tiir  Imi)k,  wm 
linn,  "  ^Vdl  )»"< 
\nwii  i>r  ti  liit.'ll 

•till"  lnKiiiK  (111 

iU»  Rllf:|)!cill||>4 
i|'    »»)ll  VcilluiUMJj 

It,  lot  till*  iiii|ii>' 
\>  liiii^ti'^lfnl'-'Hit 
ill  liiiili'^liii  1)1x1 

'(l»H  WiMllil   |».|| 

itiii  I  iii|i<lni  Hill 
illli  ill  iiin'iiiDl* 

lIlK  «*V|)l't>HHil)l| 
llilljll   iMll|(,l'f4    III) 

MIA«Iim|  i)I»"  iif 
w.vur  -lit  Ikvvu 

|l«|lMtl  WllN  |im( 

(l)o  riidi!  irji'ui  - 
IlOt'll   cici'loil. 

XWimI   ItjHItl   tlxt 

inn  lli»>iin','lv(<f» 
Im>  Hiiiut  of  IIm) 
»li'i-ilnl\  Ik  nIi'P 
ly  linvunl'i  llii» 
\  inir  lii(4  Iwiitil 

NlUtlO  lillll',  lIlll 
M   llu<  mIidI'K,  (III 

iiiii}!;  riom  tlm 

\\\>y,  llii<  hiMtor 

litiilvclM  niiil  n 

ii\V  |iit»<!mHlt)iI 


llmta- 


.1 


lU  of  lii;4  |»rU' 

»iP<*lM  tlm  i>v««. 
ii'imrcd  tv>  111 

1<<M',  followiii'; 
Lir  of  (Itioliiu;^ 

in\it  ri'plyinjr, 
hilt.  In  l|)(i 
0  h;ulKlarl«'il, 

uiki'c  fishidii, 
•  liar  IVlio'.v,  1 
s  not  slrirlly 

I'rious  tono  Im 
ho  hntl  thiit 

>trii mental  in 


l.iitil'^liintf  <vli«|ly  fV'itn  Mi"  fitnittv  «  iti'iti  wIcmii  w  nil  iiii«»fiwl*»f  lr<'»*/»ii,4»H 
niM  i'<tiM|ii'lli-il  lit  lulcliid'  rintij  liiiiidlify  III  |'i(iifi»  IiIh  ^ttilt — Uiirt  Miiiri<i  itritorioiii 
lli'NliiMntli^ll  /" 

"  NimV  (litil  v"ii  li'i  I'tfiK'"''  "|i»>mI<  iiihI  ii''t  In  (HirMlilon,  t  »*ii»(  fiii'l««rfil»i»i<1  yWi. 
(•r  I'lMii'n  I   kIumiIiI,   )miI    witiit    |)i»><if  »»f   ItiM    liiomon   nfc  w«   ('»   iliw/»v»r  is 
<lii>  tiU'i'i*  Ti"!  itf  liiM  ilcjiui  liiijjr  iiti  rt'liiil  li«»  limy  ilin'iio  I'mhII  n  U\iuiiinr  flecur 
n\i\\[1  I'vi'ii  n>liiiilliii|r  j|(.  h  B|iMi/lnHM(r  iti  llitt  cirilriiliiiiKl,  t/mf  rntitinf  ImniMh 
film  j  ntnl  If  II  iiiiiM,  wi-  wmil'l  ifvi'i'  ili'mi>ir!  Ii.'  lit'CMHi"  iii("(iriii»'r«." 

"Ntthihif  iif  Mil'  Idml  Im  ii-f)iii(i't1  of  iim  -'lii»,  'rfiiwmi  will  <*iii>ti  iiuf'.Id  ilA«)f. 
itm!  Iliiil  ill  ft  imiiinci  li>  i|i'iiiiiiii|,  ft';  nil  iiii|iM(illvi>  'Inly,  II, mI  w»-  niMirc  ihi 
IniilMr,  fi'or  Miln  Imvi'  I  l'"iiiiiv('i|  I  In-  iIH'm  wIiu'Ii  iiiiiy,  in  ii  luniffrit  nf  (|#)»- 
)iVi'iiM'tii,  III*  liiri|i<i|  III.  lini'liwiiii'lHitifin'n  'nlili  fitrnliiit  our  (lintoU.  l/c>  ut  i»ImI 
jji'iiMv  I'mvmhIm  Milt  Itixifli,  iiiifl  Mifii  yiiii  kIimII  wiM'  fy  ytirwlf;  hul  I  tiift 
lii'iitlv  riii|iiilli>n      MM|i{iiiiii>  Mii<i)lli'>f  jm'ly  «iliolil(|  rt,i»iv««'/" 

"  Tlf'ti  llii-y  iiiii'«l  III  Mi'-ir  liiifi  >V'»"' f'""  ••«'  '"117  httvw  «ilr«>«vly  f<ii*n^iU4 
Mii«li'  lillll'  U>t\  iiiImiiIii«," 

"  liimU,"  i'<tiliiiiii('(l  IiIm  i'iiiii[iniil»iii,  »«  ji«  pll^/lilly  ^ritMrif><l  Mia  NliriiilM(<r  4m 
whii'li  liin  linml  liii'l  ii'mIkiJ,  "  li«»  lu  i<'liiMiiii(i:  fur  llic  liflcn  " 

Oi«|\  iitiK  nfMin  Iwii  lillll  iiiiw  ii'IiikI  hit  ij|i'|i'i  fiiiin  lli"  lifiirh  fov/nr'ln  th<; 
Jiiif,  hill  Willi  n  tiHiri*  linnii'fl  ui^Moii  Miimi  hi-furi-,  A«  hi'  \m<t»f<\  wh«r»  t)}0 
fili'inlfi  I'HII  liii(u>iii|,  h"  (fiivi'  «  nliif'l  fif  t(iirfiri«»',  «(ifiiiri  riMy  firin\u'v*i  Uy  ifi* 
nh'iflK'i'  iif  Ml"  |•iHl'<^      A    im»>iii"iiIVj    I''(I"ii|.i'(ii    Ki"iiiiii(^  Ut  unt>u.fi/    hmi   »!,  WM 

Iinniilili.  Iiji)  uii'iiiMi  V  lillll    rnil'"l   liitii,  iiii'l    Mill)    Mil  y  hii'l  hi'Mi  I'-lt,   wiMrifi  th» 
iiiililiiiff,  h"  hull  it'll  fiii'wnnJ  In  imviiri'  hiiimflf,      AlWfi  ftitw  riioni'vfils  r>f  Ajr]m 
f'i'iiMv  Ihi-IIWIkiiI  MMii'ih,  lie  Urtitiiin  »iitflti  liiK  »i|i|»('Hfniir««,  rrK(l<iii^  ihf  firifiil,  (4 
Ml"  hill  (11  ilJMiiivir  liii-!   Iii4  wi'iipiiiin,  ImiI,  in  vuiii ;    wliMi    in  Mi«'  flfr<vn«««  of 
IiIm  niiii"!',  li"  ii'if'il  iiIiHiil    wiMi  It  hi(l,i'rii"<!«i  Mini,  tjiiv"  <'nriii"vt,  of  witi/yrity, 

I'  |ly I   \»|n|,  I   |,,)i|  ttiaci|i-i|    lliili'ih  fti.inl  who  phiywl  m"  Mii^  irif^, 

»iii  Miilht'i' «hoii'  if  I  WMtililii'l.  '.'u-U  ii<y  hnifi'  info  hiw  h  —— y  ('iz/,«irH,  tlvri 
♦n  iiiv  iiiiiiio  tint  •liTi'iiiliili  t)t^«h(iii»,ic,li.      Whiit  III"  h    -II'h  Io  Ii«  iIoik'  novrl'* 

'riiKiii!'  iii|vMiiliii.M<  III' hi'i  "iiliiiiii"  iiil't  Ml"  lull,,  Ml"  Iwii  iiii|ivi'liiMl«,  f')r<it.iUf 
»iri'ih"i|.  hiiil  ■.♦iili'ii  iniiMiMi'  ly  ini'lif  ntvfr  of  Ihi'  fnr"fit,  until  Miiy  nrrivt-t\  n% 
Um  tt'iinltinMitn,  wiMiiii  nhiiiii  fvvi'titv  ytf.'Jn  at  lht>  A/.ori',  whum  howiww  t)t«r*) 
WUM  nil  iHilwiinl  iif  vi'iihli'  hIimi  nf  ih"  i„'Iiviilii(il  who  hii'l  h""n  l^i-.lioroii/h'* 
i'niii|iuiiiiiii.  Ill  Ml"  hiiWM  of  Ml"  'I'noii  with  fiilivl  Mn!  hlj»nk«>l«<,  nn'J  in  th<» 
«'«'iil|i'  Wfi'i  i|"|iiiw.ili'i|  Ml"  |iiiivJMtoii  hfiir  llifif.  hfi'l  formi'l  n  {.*»rliori  of  th«if 
iiiitfiii'.l  I'lMil.  'Hi"  imiimI.  hn'l  not  )n-Mit  h'listt"'),  hut  lay  «'xt^'Tifii!/l  nlons'  titn 
litjll,  il't  «!)iil  loDnrnivl  iinil  ;>(irMiiily  iv»v»!nnK  t;i«  h"for«"-rn«'nMouwl  (jrtwl^of 
fiTiirltlitir'*  'I  It"  how  hi'J'  "^r  )hi'  ffino*'  pj(«m"(  tlm  hcwh.  th"  ofh*r  lay  ftonk 
ill  Ml"  wmrr,  ti|tj;i.''  ntiv  in  lliu  iiKinii"!  in  whirh  it  jiA/|  lirst  6[>}^roa<;h(;fi  t)io 
Intnl. 

iSlill  ntfrrin,':  r  wi^h  huf  in  ri  inoro  unh'luwl  ton*,  n/iuriHi  "  thfs  fi  llw  wUo 
liatj  hIoIi'i:  ii;  •  *•■  i,JI  •  nri'K,"  Mi"  nnrry  Ilonhoromrli  n-irs/r-'l  hi«i  Htifm  to  lint 
riiiio".  Mii'.i  iifin  dill!"  h"  lool<"il  hftt'k  to  wo  if  lift  rfri"'.  <JifW/»v«r  any  trt»M!it 
of  th"  fiiirlniiiiT.  'ifilil  at  Ii'ii'.'lh  ]i\^  r;oiiiit«'naii'w  Hftitnud  to  as^rtme  an  axpreih 
Hiiiti  of  (l""p"r  f  niiMii  foi  f'onccrn,  than  «'VTn  tho  lo«»    >  '  ■    w«af»<";nH. 

"  Ha,  t  oxjif't  «ini"  (I >'  f?f>y  hiw  hfwrn  mt  tJws  look  <mt — if  ho,  IiniiHtAiit 

nml  inn  •  v:un}ltU'  pnrty  wioi." 

TIiIm  appri'In'iiHion  was  i*.vpi"H.'!p'l  ns  he  arrivi'd  opj»o.Hit'; thf:  jmut  witf'te thn 
fori'Kt  tcniilnatcil.  A  Hliirht  itmMin^r  arn'.nsr  Mi's  niH"rwo«yJ  rf-'lifi'A  tj»At  a|^- 
pi'chcn^ion  to  oertninty.  JIi«  i'ri\M\)'''i]  tlif:  han!!"  of  hi.<(  hnt^f  knit:  th»t  vm 
thru.st  into  th"  j^'irill"  nronnl  his  loinn.  nn'l  riwMrij^  hin  jrawr  on  tJii;  funfti 
wlicnco  Mm  sonijil  liii'l  proc!}<!'l"'i,  r;  irfati  d  it;  fi.rt  attituflf;,  .^n(*irtftr  and 
iMon- ilistinct  rriivih  of  iin'l«r»vooi!.  «nd  ..r-.  rtoof*  .--till  with  Kurpri^,  on  finding 
Iiitnsi'lf  f;|.'  to  fiicc,  with  two  niflcfiH  of  th"  ;;.i.f;'".'n. 

"  Wi;  Fiiivc  Rlartiio'l  yon,  iS-Hboron  ,0,"  Kai'l  th*?  youo?PT,  a.«i  they  hcnk 
advanri'd  luLsnri'Iy  to  the  U«rii.  '  i>o  you  npprelicri'l  danger  from  oc/ 
pros('iif(!  ?" 

A  kocu  searching  glance  flasii'.tl  .*  on.  ',\iu  ;tirric!oui  eye  of  tint  ruiIi*Q.    l\ 


10 


MATILDA     HON TO.  MERIE  ;   OA| 


ivas  but  inomcntiiry.  Quittin:;;  Ins  firm  grasp  of  the  kn'fe.  he  sufTeied  Ivia 
Hmbs  to  relax  their  tension,  and  aiming  at  carelessiicss,  observed  with  a  smilO; 
that  was  tenfold  more  hideous  from  its  being  forced: 

"  Well  now.  I  gue»s,  who  would  have  expected  to  see  two  officers  so  fur 
away  from  the  fort  at  this  early  hour  of  the  moriiin'  ?" 

"  Ah,"  said  Ine  taller  of  the  two.  availing  himself  of  the  first  opening  to  a 
pun  which  had  been  afforded,  '•  we  are  merely  out  on  a  aiiooting  excursion." 

Desborough  gazed  doubtingly  on  the  speaker.  "  Strange  sort  of  a  dress 
ihat  for  hhootin'  I  guess — them  cloaks  must  be  a  great  tanglement  in  tho 
bushes." 

"  They  serve  to  keep  our  arms  warm,"  continued  Middlemore,  perpetrating 
Unothcr  of  his  cxecrablcs. 

"  To  keep  your  arms  warm  !  well  surc-/y,  if  that  arn't  droH.  It  may  be 
Komo  use  to  keep  the  prirains  dry,  I  reckon ;  but  I  can't  see  the  iise  of  keepin' 
the  fowlin'  pieces  warm.  Have  you  met  with  any  game  yet,  officers  ?  I  ex- 
pect as  how  I  can  point  you  out  a  purty  spry  place  for  pattridges  and  sich 
like." 

"  Thank  you,  my  good  fellow  ;  but  we  have  appointed  to  meet  our  game 
here." 

The  dry  manner  in  which  this  was  observed  had  a  visible  effect  on  the  sefc- 
ilcr.  He  glanced  an  eye  of  suspicion  around,  to  see  if  other  than  the  two 
officers  were  in  view,  aiid  it  was  not  without  effort  that  he  ass^'  t'^ed  au  air  of 
unconcejn.  as  he  replied  :  * 

"  Well,  I  expect  I  have  been  many  a  long  year  a  hunter,  as  well  as  other 
things,  and  yet,  dang  me  if  I  ever  calculated  the  game  would  cou.^  to  me.  It 
alwavs  costs  me  a  purty  good  chase  in  the  woods." 

"  How  the  fellow  heats  about  the  bush  to  find  what  game  wo  are  driving 
at."  observed  Middlemore,  in  an  under  tone,  to  his  companion. 

'■  Let  him  alone  for  that,"  returned  he  whom  our  readers  have  doubtless 
recognised  for  Henry  Grantham.  '•  I  will  match  his  punning  against  your 
»:unning  any  day." 

"The  truth  is.  he  h  Jishing  lo  discover  our  motive  for  being  here,  and 
to  find  out  if  we  are  in  any  way  connected  with  the  disappearance  of  his 
rifles. " 

During  this  conversation  apart,  the  Yankee  had  carelessly  approached  his 
eanoe,  and  was  affecting  to  make  some  alteration  in  the  disposition  of  the  saij. 
The  officers,  the  younger  especiall}"^,  keeping  a  sharp  look-out  upon  his  move- 
ments, followed  at  some  iittle  distance,  until  they,  at  length,  stood  on  tho 
extreme  verge  of  the  sands.  Thejr  near  approach  seemed  to  render  Desbo- 
rough  impatient, 

"  I  expect,  officers,"  he  said,  with  a  hastiness  that,  at  an}'  other  mor.i  ;i?t, 
would  have  called  down  immediate  reproof,  if  not  chastisement,  "you  wi'' 
only  be  losin'  time  here  for  nothin'  ;  about  a  mile  beyond  Hartley's  there'li 
be  plenty  of  pattridges  at  this  ho\:r,  and  I  am  jist  goin  to  start  mj  self  for  a 
Httle  shootin'  in  the  Sandusky  river." 

"Than  I  presume."  said  Grantham,  vyith  a  smile,  "you  are  well  provided 
^irith  silver  bullets,  Desborough ;  for,  in   the  hurry  of  departure,  you  seem 
nkely  to  forget  the  only  medium  through  which  leaden  ones  can  be  made  avail- 
able— not  a  rifle  or  a  .shot-gun  do  I  see." 

Tho  man  fixed  his  eyes  for  a  tno'^'^nt,  with  a  penetrating  expression,  on  tha 
vouth,  as  if  he  would  have  sought  a  meaning  deeper  than  the  words  implied. 
Viis  reading  seemed  to  satisfy  him  that  all  was  right. 

"What."  he  ob.served,  with  a  leer,  half  cunning,  lialf  insolent,  "if  I  h-i/e 
hid  my  riile  near  tho  Sandu.sky  swamp,  the  lust  time  I  hunted  there  ?" 

"  In  that  case,"  observed  the  laughing  Middlemore,  to  whom  the  opportvv 
nity  was  irresistible,  '"yon  arc  going  out  on  ft  wild  goose  chaise  indeed.  Your 

f)rospccts  for  a  good  hunt,  as  yon  call  it,  cannot  be  said  to  be  stwe  as  a  gim  ; 
or  in  regard  to  the  latter,  you  may  depend  some  one  has  discovered  and  lifled 
tl  be.'bre  this." 


e  sufleied  hia 
.  with  a  RniilO; 

CQccrs  so  fur 

opening  to  a 

exoursion." 

rt  of  a  dress 

cment  in  tho 

!,  perpetrating 

I.  It  may  be 
iisc  of  kcepin' 
icers  ?  I  ex- 
iges  and  sich 

set  our  game 

■t  on  the  set- 
;han  the  two 
■'cd  au  air  of 

well  as  other 
U'.v  to  me.    It 

c  are  driving 

avo  doubtless 
against  your 

ig  here,  and 
irance  of  his 

broached  his 
n  of  the  sail. 
)n  his  move- 
tood  on  tho 
ndcr  Desbo- 

wr  mor.i ;»  t, 
"yoL'  wi'' 
ey's  there'll 
myself  for  a 

•oil  provided 
you  seem 
I  made  avail- 

9sion,  on  tho 
•rds  implied. 

''if  I  h-ire 
re  ?" 
he  opportu- 
deed.  Your 
e  asa  giin  ; 
d  and  riJleJ 


THE     PROPHECY    FULFIL LEO. 


i 


41 


"  You  seem  to  have  laid  in  a  store  of  provisions  for  this  trip,  T3osborongh," 
remarked  Ilonry  Grantham  ;  '•  liow  long  do  you  purpose  being  absent?" 

'•  I  guess  three  or  four  days,"  was  tl)e  sullen  reply. 

"  Three  or  four  days  !  why  your  bag  contains" — and  the  officer  partly  raised 
ft  corner  of  the  sail,  "'  provisions  for  a  week,  or,  at  least,  for  two  for  half  that 
period." 

The  manner  in  which  the  twn  was  emphasised  did  not  escape  the  attention 
of  the  settler.  lie  was  visibly  disconcerted,  nor  was  he  at  all  reassured  when 
the  younger  officer  proceeded  : 

"  By  tlie  bye,  Desbocotigh.  wo  saw  you  leave  the  hut  with  a  companion — 
what  has  become  of  him  ?" 

The  settler,  who  had  now  recovered  his  self-polsciision,  met  the  question 
without  the  slightest  .show  of  hesitation : 

••  I  e.xpect  you  mean,  young  man,"  he  said,  with  insufferable  insolence,  "  a 
help  as  I  had  from  Hartley's  farm,  to  assist  gittin'  djwn  the  thiji.js.  lie  took 
home  along  shore  when  t  went  back  to  the  hut  for  the  small  bores." 

"  Oh  ho,  sir  !  the  rifles  are  not  then  concealed  near  the  Sandusky  swamp, 
I  find?" 

For  once  the  wily  settler  felt  his  cunning  had  overreached  it."?elf.  In  the  first 
fury  of  his  subdued  rage,  he  muttered  something  amounting  to  a  desire  that 
he  could  produce  them  at  that  moment,  as  he  would  well  know  where  to 
lodge  the  bullets — but,  recovering  himself,  he  said  aloud : 

'•  The  rale  fact  is,  I've  a  long  gun  hid,  as  I  said,  near  the  swamp,  but  ray 
small  bore  I  always  carry  with  mo — only  think,  jist  as  I  and  IIartle3's  help 
loft  the  hut,  I  pit  ni}'  rifle  against  the  outside  wall,  not  boing  able  to  carry  it 
down  with  the  other  things,  and  when  I  went  back  a  minute  or  two  after,  drot 
me  if  .some  tarnation  rascal  hadn't  stole  it.'' 

"  And  if  3'ou  had  the  British  rascal  on  t'other  shore,  j'ou  wouldn't  be  long 

in  tucking  a  knife  into  his  gizzard,  would  you  ?"  asked  Middlemore.  m  a 

nearly  verbatim  repetition  of  the  horrni  oath  originally  uttered  by  Desborough. 

'  I  see  nothing  to  warrant  our  interfering  with  him,"  he  continued  in  an  under 

'jone  to  his  companion. 

Not  a  little  surprised  to  hear  his  words  repeated,  the  man  lost  somewhat 
of  his  confidence  as  he  replied,  '•  Well  now,  sure-/y.  you  officers  didn't  t'link 
nothin'  o'  that — I  expect  I  was  in  a  mighty  rage  to  find  my  small  bore  gone, 
and  I  did  curse  a  little  hearty,  to  be  sure." 

"The  small  bore  multiplied  in  your  absence,"  ob.served  Grantham  ;  "when 
T  looked  ?t  the  hut  there  were  two." 

'•  Then  n\ay  be  j'ou  can  tell  me  who  was  the  particular  d d  ra.scal  that 

stole  them,"'  said  the  settler  eagerly. 

Middlemore  laughed  heartily  at  his  companion,  who  observed : 

"  The  particular  d d  rascal  who  removed,  not  stole  them  thence,  stands 

b'.  fore  you." 

Again  tho  settler  looked  disconcerted.  After  a  moment's  hesitation  ho 
continued,  with  a  forced  grin  that  gave  an  atrocious  expression  to  his  wholo 
countenance: 

"  Well  now,  you  officers  are  i)laying  a  purty  considerable  spry  trick — it's  a 
pood  lark,  I  calculate — but  you  know,  as  the  .saying  is,  enough's  as  good  as  a 
feast.  Do  tell  me,  Mr.  Grantham,"  and  his  discordant  voice  became  more 
offensive  in  its  effort  at  a  t»ne  of  entreaty,  "  Do  tell  me  where  you've  hid  my 
8raall  bore ;  you  little  Lhink."  he  concluded,  with  an  emphasis  then  unnoticed 
by  the  officers,  but  subs '.'quently  remembered  to  have  been  perfectly  ferocious, 
"  what  reason  I  have  to  -ally  it." 

"  We  never  descend  to  larks  of  the  kind,"  coolly  observed  Grantham  r 
''but  as  you  say  you  value  j'our  rifle,  it  shall  be  restored  to  you  on  on* 
condition." 

"And  what  may  that  be?"  asked  the  settler,  somewhat  startled  at  the 
serious  manner  of  the  officer. 


FTT!' 


J 


43 


MATILDA     M'JNTOOMERIE;    OR, 


"  Tliiit  you  show  us  what  your  canoe  is  freighted  with.    Ilore  in  the  bctrsi, 

I  mCMM." 

*•  Why."  rcjoinQd  tlie  Yaiilvoc; quiclrly,  but,  as  if  without  design,  intercepting 
the olliccrs'  nour  ai)])roach,  ••that  J);ig,  I  culculatc,  contains  my  provisions. and 
these  hcie  hiiU)l\et,s  tliat  you  see,  peepin'  lilve  from  under  the  sail,  are  wl>at  I 
makes  my  bed  ofwhile  out  luuitiu'." 

"  And  are  you  quite  certain  there  i.s  nothin;;  tmdcr  tliose  blankets  ? — nay 
do  not  protest — you  cannot  answer  for  what  may  have  occurred  while  your 
back  was  turned,  on  your  »vay  to  the  hut  for  the  rifle." 

•'  By  hell."  exclaimed  the  settler,  blusterin<j;ly,  '•  were  any  man  to  tell  me, 
•fereniiah  Desborough,  tha|:  there  was  anythin"  beside  them  blankets  in  tho 
canoe,  1  would  lick  liim  into  a  jelly,  even  though  ho  could  whfii  his  own 
weight  in  wild  cats." 

'•  So  is  it?  Now  then,  Jeremiah  Desborough,  although  I  have  never  yet 
iried  to  whip  my  own  weight  in  wild  cats,  I  tell  you  there  is  something  moro 
than  those  blankets  ;  and  wha,t  is  more,  I  insist  upon  seeing  wliat  that 
something  is." 

"  «  settler  stood  confounded.  His  eye  rolled  rapidly  from  one  to  the  other 
ofi.je  ofTicer-;,  nt  the  boldness  and  determination  of  this  language.  Singly,  he 
cou!  ruslicd  Henry  Grantham  in  his  gripe,  even  as  one  of  the  bears  of 

the  fore'  near  the  outskirt  of  which  they  stood ;  but  there  were  two,  and 
while  attu  ig  the  one,  he  was  sure  of  being  assailed  by  the  other — na}', 
what  was  worse,  the  neighborhood  might  be  alarmed.  Moreover,  although 
they  had  kept  their  cloaks  carefully  wrapped  arouud  their  persons,  there  could 
be  little  doubt  that  both  officers  were  armed,  not,  as  the}'  had  originally  given 
him  to  understand,  with  fowling  pieces,  but  with  (at  the  present  close  quarters 
at  least)  fdr  more  efficjnit  weapons — pistols.  He  was  relieved  from  his  embar- 
rassment by  Middlemorc  exclaiming : 

"  Na)',  do  not  press  the  poor  devil,  (Jrantham  ;  T  dare  sa}'  the  story  of  his 
hunting  is  all  a  hum,  and  that  the  fact  is,  he  is  merely  going  to  earn  an  honest 
penny  in  one  of  his  free  commercial  speculations — a  little  contraband,"  point- 
ing his  finger  to  the  l)Ows.  '•  is  it  not,  Desborough  ?" 

•'  Why  now,  officer,"  said  the  settler,  rapidly  assuming  a  dogged  air.  as  if 
ashamed  of  the  di.scover}'  that  h.ad  been  so  acutely  made,  ••  you  won't  hurt 
.1  poor  feller  for  <loin'  a  little  in  this  way.  Drot  me,  these  are  hard  times,  and 
this  here  war  jist  beginnin'  quite  pits  one  to  one's  shifts." 

"  This  might  do,  Desborough.  were  your  present  freight  an  arrival  instead 
of  a  departure,  but  we  all  know  that  contraband  is  imported,  not  exported." 

'•  flighty  cute  a'ou  are.  1  guess,"  replie<l  the  settler  wanly,  with  something 
like  the  savage  grin  of  the  wild  cat  to  which  he  had  so  recently  alluded  ;  •'  but 
I  expect  it  would  be  none  so  strange  to  have  packed  up  a  few  dried  hog  skins 
to  stow  away  tlie  goods  I  am  goin'  for." 

<"  I  should  like  to  try  the  effect  of  a  bullet  among  the  skins,"  said  Grantham, 
leisurely  drawing  forth  and  cocking  a  pistol,  after  having  whispered  something 
in  the  ear  of  his  companion. 

"Nay,  otlicer,"  said  Desborough.  now  for  the  first  time  manifesting 
eerious  alarm,  "'you  sure-/// don't  mean  to  bore  a  hole  through  them  innocent 
$kius?" 

"  True !"  said  Middlemore,  imitating.  "  If  he  fires,  the  hole  will  be  .some- 
thing more  than  skin  deep,  I  reckon — these  pistols,  to  my  knowledge,  send  a 
bullet  through  a  two  inch  plank  at  twenty  paces." 

As  Middlemore  thus  expressed  himself,  both  he  and  Grantham  finw,  or  fan- 
cied they  saw,  the  blankets  slightly  agitated. 

"  Good  place  for  a  hide  that !"  said  the  former,  addressing  his  pun  to  tho 
«ettlor,  on  whom  it  w.is  totally  lost.  "  show  us  those  said  skins,  my  good 
f»:dow.  and  if  we  find  they  arc  not  filled  with  anything  it  would  be  treason  in 
u  professed  British  subject  to  cxpf^rt  thu.i  clandestinely,  we  promise  t\at  y^i 
shall  depart  without  further  hindrance.^' 


THB     PROPHECY     FULFILLKD. 


LI 


the  bctva^ 

jterceptinj* 
isions.  and 
ire  wluit  I 

ttfj  ? — nay 
ivhilc  your 

to  tell  me, 
eta  in  tho 
£}  his  own 

never  yet 
hing  moro 
what  that 

1  the  other 
Singly,  he 
HI  bears  of 
i  two,  and 
ther — nay, 
•,  although 
there  could 
[lally  given 
w  quarters 
his  embar- 

tory  of  liis 
an  honeyt 

id,"  point- 
air,  as  if 

won't  hurt 

times,  and 

al  instead 

xportcd." 

soinethinu 

ded ;  •'  but 

hog  skins 

jrunthara, 
something 

lanifcstin^ 
1  innocent 


be  Kome- 
ge,  send  a 

w,  or  fan- 

un  to  tho 

my  good 

treason  in 

)  t^at  y  j!| 


**  Indeed,  officer,"  mnttorod  T>esborou2;\i  sollenl''  and  doggc-<Hy,  "T  shan't 
do  no  sidi  thing.  You  don't  U-long  to  tlm  (Mistoni-nouse,  I  nc.Ui)n,  and  w>  I 
msh  you  a  good  day,  for  I  have  a  oonsiderixhk'  long  course  to  rnn.nii'l  must 
1>e  movin'."  Then  seizin.:  the  paddlos  that  were  lying  on  tlie  satid,  hi;  pre- 
pared to  shove  the  canoe  from  the  beach. 

"  Not  at  least  before  I  have  sent  a  bullet  to  ascertain  the  true  quality  of  yonr 
"»kins."  said  Gri*nthain,  levelling  his  pistol. 

"Sure-/y,"  said  Desborough,  as  ho  turned  and  drew  himself  to  tho  full 
height  of  his  bony  and  muscular  figure,  while  his  eye  m(!a>ured  the  officer 
from  head  to  foot,  with  a  look  of  concentrated  but  sup])res>K.'d  fury,  •'  you 
wouldn't  rlnrc  to  do  this — you  wouldn't  dare  to  fire  into  my  canoe — besides, 
consider."  he  said,  ina  tone  somewhat  deprecating,  "your  bullet  may  pfo 
through  her,  and  yeu  would  hardly  do  a  feller  tho  injury  to  make  him  lose  tlui 
chance  of  a  good  cargo." 

"Then  why  provoke  siich  a  disaster  by  refusing  to  show  us  what  is  beneath 
those  blanket?  ?" 

"  Uecause  it'.s  my  pleasure  to  do  .'jo,"  fiercely  retorted  the  other,  "and  I 
won't  show  them  to  no  man." 

'•  Then  it  is  my  pleasure  to  fire,"  said  Grantham.  *■  The  injury  be  on  your 
own  head,  Desborough — one — two — "  ' 

At  this  moment  the  sail  w.'is  violently  agitated — something,  struggling  for 
freedom,  cast  the  blankets  on  one  side,  and  presently  the  figure  of  a  man  stood 
upright  in  the  bows  of  the  canoe,  and  gazed  around  him  with  un  air  of  stiipid 
astonishment. 

'•  What,"  exclaimed  ^liddlemore,  retreating  back  a  pace  or  two.  in  unfeigned 
surprise  ;  "  has  that  pistol  started  up,  like  the  ghost  in  Hamlet.  Ensign  Paul 
Emilius  TheopliilusArnoldi.  of  the  United  States  Michigan  Militia — a  pri>so!ier 
on  his  parole  of  honor  ?  and  yet  attempting  a  clandestine  departure  from  tho 
country — how  is  this  ?" 

"  Not  this  merely,"  exclaimed  Orantham,  "  but  a  traitor  to  his  countrj', 
and  a  deserter  from  our  service.  'I'his  feilow,"  he  pursued,  in  answer  to  an 
inquiring  look  of  his  companion,  ''is  a  .scoundrel,  who  deserted  three  yeans 
since  from  the  regiment  a^ou  relieved.  I  recognised  him  yesterday  on  hi;j 
landing,  as  ipy  brother  Gerald,  who  propo.sed  making  his  report  to  the  gene- 
ral this  morning,  had  done  before.  Iict  us  secure  both,  Middlemore  ;  for, 
thank  heaven,  we  have  been  enabled  to  detect  the  traitor  at  last  in  that  which 
will  excuse  his  final  expulsion  from  the  BOil,  even  if  oo  worse  befall  him. 
I  have  only  tampered  with  him  tiuis  long  to  render  his  conviction  more  com- 
plete." 

"Secure  me!  secure  Jeremiah  Desborough?"  exclaimed  the  settler,  with 
rage  m  vn  fest  in  the  clenching  of  his  teeth  and  the  tension  of  every  muscle  of 
his  iron  frame,  "and  that  for  jist  tryin'.to  savo  a  countryman — well,  we'll 
see  who'll  have  the  best  of  it." 

Before  Grantham  could  anticipate  the  movement,  tho  active  and  powerful 
Desborough  hivd  closed  with  him  in  a  manner  to  prevent  his  makn>g  use  of 
his  pistol,  had  he  even  .so  desired.  In  the  next  instant  it  was  wrested  fnwu 
him,  and  thrown  far  from  tlie  spot  on  which  he  struggled  with  his  adversary, 
but  at  fearful  odds  against  himself.  Henry  Grantham,  although  well  an<l  »g- 
tivcly  made,  was  of  slight  proportion,  and  yet  in  boyhood.  Desborough,  f»i 
the  contrary,  was  in  the  full  foice  of  a  vigorous  manhood.  A  struggle,  h<ind 
to  hand,  between  two  con.batants  so  disproportioned,  could  not,  consequently, 
be  long  doubtful  as  to  its  i,ssue.  No  sooner  had  the  formidable  .settler  closed 
with  his  enemy,  than  pres.sing  the  knuckles  of  his  iron  hand,  which  met 
roupd  the  body  of  the  officer,  with  violence  against  his  spine,  he  threw  him 
backward  with  force  upon  the  sands.  Grasping  his  victim  with  one  hand  as 
he  lay  upon  him.  ho  seemed,  as  Grantham  afterwards  declared,  to  be  groping 
for  his  knife  with  the  other.  He  was  evidently  anxious  to  despatch  one  en- 
emy, in  order  that  he  might  fly  to  the  asssistance  of  his  son.  for  it  was  l»o 
whom  Middlemove,  with  a  powerful  eilbrt,  had  dragged  from  tho  canoe  to  tlw 


41 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;     OR, 


Beach,  While  his  right  h<an(l  was  still  gropinj;  for  tho  knife — an  objoot  vvhicU 
the  powerful  resistincc  of  the  yet  unsubdued,  tliouijh  prostrate,  officer  ren- 
dered somewhat  difficult  of  attainment — the  report  of  a  pistol  was  heard,  fired 
evidently  by  one  of  tho  other  combatants.  Immediately  the  .settler  looked  up 
to  sec  who  was  the  triumphant  party.  Neither  had  fallen,  and  ^fidaiemon-,, 
if  anything,  had  the  advantage  of  his  enemy  ;  but  to  his  infinite  dismay,  De.s- 
borough  beheld  a  horseman,  evidently  attracted  by  tho  report  of  the' pistol, 
urging  his  course  with  the  rapidity  of  lightning,  along  the  finn  sand.s,  and  ad- 
vancing with  cries  and  vehement. jesticulations  to  the  rescue. 

Springing  with  the  quickness  of  thought  from  his  victiui.  the  settler  was  in 
the  next  moment  at  the  side  of  Middlemore.  Seizing  him  from  behind  by 
tho  arm  within  his  nervous  grasp,  he  pressed  the  latter  with  such  prodigious 
force  as  to  cause  him  to  relinquish,  by  a  convulsive  movement,  the  firm  hold 
he  had  hitherto  kept  of  his  adversary. 

''  In,  boy,  to  the  canoe  for  your  life,"  he  exclaimed,  hurriedl}'',  as,  following 
up  his  advantage,  he  s{)un  the  officer  round,  and  sent  him  tottering  to  the  spot 
where  Grantham  lay,  still  stupifled  and  half  throttled.  The  next  instant  saw 
liim  heaving  the  canoe  from  the  shore,  with  all  the  exertion  called  for  bj'  his 
desperate  situation.  And  all  this  was  done  so  rapidly,  in  so  much  less  timo 
than  it  will  take  our  readers  to  trace  it,  that  before  the  horseman,  so  oppor- 
tunely arriving,  had  reached  the  spot,  the  canoe,  with  its  inmates,  had  pushed 
from  the  shore. 

'  ;thout  pausing  to  consider  the  rashness  and  apparent  impracticability  of 
Hv;  undertaking,  the  strange  horseman,  checking  his  rein,  and  burying  tho 
rowels  of  his  spurs  deep  into  the  flanks  of  his  steed,  sent  him  bounding  and 
jilunging  into  the  lake,  in  pursuit  of  the  fugitives. 

^<i  h  '  .Lb. f  evinced  every  symptom  of  one  in  a  state  of  intoxication.  Bran- 
dishing ik  stout  cudgel  over  his  head,  and  pealing  forth  a  shout  of  defiance,  he 
rolled  from  side  to  side  on  his  spirited  charger,  like  some  laboring  bark 
careeiing  to  the  violence  of  the  winds,  but  ever,  like  that  bark,  regaining  an 
equilibrium  that  was  never  thoroughly  lo&t.  Shallow  as  the  lake  was  at  thi.^ 
point  for  a  considerable  distance,  it  was  long  before  the  noble  animal  lost  its 
footing;  and  thus  had  its  rider  been  enabled  to  arrive  within  a  few  piices  of 
the  canoe,  at  tho  very  moment  when  the  increasing  depth  of  tlie  water,  in 
compelling  the  horse  to  tho  less  expeditious  process  of  swimming,  gave  a 
proportionate  advantage  to  the  pursued.  No  sooner,  however,  did  the  Cen- 
laur-like  rider  find  that  he  was  losing  ground,  than,  again  darting  r  Is  spurs 
into  the  flanks  of  his  charger,  he  made  every  effort  to  reach  the  canoe.  Mad- 
dened by  the  pain,  the  snorting  beast  half  rose  upon  the  calm  element,  liko 
some  monster  of  the  deep,  and,  making  two  or  three  desperate  plunges  with 
his  fore  feet,  succeeded  in  reaching  the  stem.  Then  commenced  a  short  but 
extraordinary  conflict.  Bearing  up  his  horse  as  he  swam,  with  the  bridle  in 
his  teeth,  the  bold  rider  threw  his  Ij-ft  hand  upon  the  stern  of  the  vessel,  and 
brandishing  his  cudgel  in  the  right,  seemed  to  provoke  both  parties  to  the 
combat.  Desborough,  who  had  risen  from  the  stern  at  his  approach,  stood 
upright  in  the  centre,  liis  companion  still  paddling  at  the  bows ;  and  between 
these  two  a  singular  contest  now  ensued.  Armed  with  the  formidable  knife 
which  he  had  about  liis  person,  the  settler  made  the  most  desperate  and  in- 
furiated efforts  to  reach  his  assailant ;  but  in  so  masterly  a  manner  did  his 
adversary  use  his  simple  weapon,  that  every  attempt  was  foiled,  and  more  than 
once  did  the  hard  iron-wood  descend  upon  his  shoulders,  in  a  manner  Jto  bo 
heard  from  the  shore.  Once  or  twice  the  .settler  stooped  to  evade  some  fall- 
ing blow,  and,  rushing  forward,  .sought  to  sever  the  hand  which  st.ll  retained 
its  hold  of  the  stern ;  but,  with  an  activity  remarkable  in  so  old  a  man  as  his 
assailant,  for  ho  was  upwards  of  sixty  j-ears  of  ago,  the  hand  was  removed— 
«nd  the  settler,  defeated  in  his  object,  was  amply  repaid  for  liis  attempt,  b}'  n 
severe  collision  of  his  bones  with  the  cudgel.  At  length,  apparently  enjoined 
by  liis  companion,  the  younger  removed  his  paddle,  and,  standing  up  also  in 
the  canoe,  aimed  a  blow  with  its  knobbed  hardlc  at  the  heal  of  the  horse,  at 


bjoot  whicli 
officcT  ren- 
lieard,  fired 
r  looked  up 
lidaiemoib, 
ismay,  Des- 
the  pistol, 
ids,  and  ad- 

itlcr  was  in 

I  behind  by 

prodifiious 

e  Arm  hold 

s,  followin!» 
:  to  the  spot 
nstant  saw 
1  for  b}'  his 
!h  less  timo 
I.  so  oppor- 
tiad  pushed 

icability  of 
urying  tho 
landing  and 

on.    Bran- 

lefiance,  ha 

oring  bark 

^gaining  an 

ivas  at  this 

nal  lost  its 

vv  paces  of 

)  water,  in 

rig,  gave  a 

1  the  Con- 

i  is  spurs 

loe.    !Mad- 

;ment,  liko 

ingos  with 

short  but 

c  bridle  in 

ve.ssel,  and 

ties  to  the 

ach,  stood 

1  between 

able  knife 

ite  and  in- 

ler  did  his 

more  than 

tincr  io  bo 

some  fall- 

1  retained 

nan  as  hia 

craoved— 

mpt,  b}'  n 

y  tiijoined 

up  also  in 

i  horse,  at 


THE     PROPHECY     PULFItLBD. 


45 


•  moment  when  his  rider  was  fully  engaged  with  Desborough.  The  quick- 
Bighted  old  man  saw  tho  action,  ami,  as  the  p.uldle  descended,  an  upward 
stroke  from  his  own  heavy  weapon  sent  it  Hying  in  fragments  in  the  air.  while 
a  rapid  and  returning  blow  f<!ll  upon  the  heiid  of  the  padler,  and  prostrated 
him  at  length  in  the  canoe.  The  opportunity  afforded  by  this  diversion,  mo- 
mentary as  it  was,  was  not  lost  upon  Desborough,  The  horseman,  who.  in 
his  impatience  to  avenge  the  injury  oflered  to  the  animal,  which  sceuied  to 
form  a  part  of  himself,  had  utterly  forgotten  the  peril  of  his  hand  ;  and  be- 
fore he  could  return  from  the  double  blow  that  had  been  so  skilfully  wielded, 
to  iiis  first  enemy,  the  knife  of  tlic  latter  had  jienetrated  his  hand,  which,  thus 
rendered  poworleso,  now  relinquished  its  grasp.  Desborough,  whose  object — 
desperate  character  as  he  usually  was — seemed  now  rather  to  fly  than  to 
.Ight,  availed  himself  of  this  advantage  to  hasten  to  the  bows  of  the  canoe, 
where,  striding  across  the  body  of  his  insensible  companion,  he  with  a  few 
vigorous  strokes  of  the  remaining  paddle,  urged  the  lagging  bark  rapidly 
ihead.  In  no  way  intimidated  by  Ins  disaster,  the  courageous  old  man,  again 
brandishing  his  cudgel,  and  vociferating  taunts  of  defiance  would  have  con- 
tinued the  pursuit ;  but  panting  as  he  was.  not  only  with  the  exertion  he  had 
made,  but  under  the  weight  of  his  impatient  rider,  in  an  element  in  whi(;h  ho 
was  supported  merely  by  his  own  buoyancy,  the  strength  and  spirit  of  the 
animal  began  now  perceptibly  to  fail  him,  and  he  turned,  despite  of  every 
effort  to  prevent  him,  towards  the  shore.  It  was  fortunate  for  he  former  that 
there  were  no  arms  in  the  canoe,  or  neither  he  nor  the  hor.se  would,  in  all 
probability,  have  I'eturned  alive ;  such  was  the  opinion,  at  least,  pronounced 
by  those  who  were  witnesses  of  the  strange  scene,  and  who  remarked  tho 
infuria'vcd  but  impotent  gestures  of  Desborough,  as  tho  old  man,  having  once 
more  gotten  his  steed  into  depth,  slowly  pursued  his  course  to  the  shore,  but 
with  the  .same  wild  brandishing  of  his  enormous  cudgel,  and  the  same  rock- 
ing from  side  to  side,  until  his  body  was  often  at  right  angles  with  that  of  his 
jaded,  but  sure-footed  beast.  As  he  is,  however,  a  character  meriting  ratlier 
more  than  the  casual  notice  we  have  bestowed,  we  shall  take  the  opportunity, 
while  he  is  h*^.stening  to  the  discomfited  ollicers  on  the  beach,  more  particu- 
larly to  describe  him. 


^..'.:.,  ..  -/".,..^.,;vV:-..:  "-' ^,        CHAPTER   YITI.       ^  _  '_'  '  "-y  ;   :'  .  '/"'T'  ■ 

Nearly  mid\^ay  between  Elliott's  and  Hartley's  points,  both  of  which  are 
remarkable  for  the  low  and  .sandy  nature  of  the  .soil,  the  land,  raising  gradu- 
ally towards  the  centre,  assumes  a  more  healthy  and  arable  aspect;  and,  on 
us  highest  elevation,  stood  a  snug,  well  cultivated  property,  called,  Girty's 
farm.  From  this  height,  crowned  on  its  extreme  summit  by  a  neat  and.com- 
modious  farm-house,  the  far  reaching  sands,  forming  the  points  above-named, 
arc  distinctly  visible.  Immediately  in  the  rear,  and  commencing  beyond  tho 
orchard  which  surrounded  the  house,  stretched  forestward,  and  to  a  consider- 
able distance,  a  tract  of  rich  and  cultivated  .soil,  separated  into  strips  b^-  zig- 
zag enclosures,  and  offering  to  the  eye  cff  the  traveller,  in  appropriate  seas'on, 
the  several  species  of  American  produce,  such  as  Indian  corn,  buck  wheat,  itc, 
with  here  and  there  a  few  patches  of  indifferent  toh.acco.  Thus  far  of  the  pro- 
perty, a  more  minute  description  of  which  is  unimportant.  The  proprietors 
of  this  neat  little  place  were  a  father  and  son.  to  the  latter  of  whom  was  con- 
signed, for  reasons  which  will  appear  presently,  the  sole  management  of  the 
farm.  Of  him  we  will  merely  sa}',  that,  at  the  period  of  which  we  treat,  he 
was  a  fine,  strapping,  dark  curJey-haired,  white-teethed,  rod-lipped,  broad- 
shoulderen,  and  altogether  comely  and  gentle  tempered  youth,  of  about 
twenty,  who  had.  although  tinconsciously,  monopulizeii  the  affections  of  al- 
most every  well  favored  maiden  of  his  class,  for  miles  around  him — advantagcii 


40 


MATiLnA    hontoomkrie;   or, 


*>f  iiattiro  from  wliirh  had  rosultod  a  union  with  ono  of  tlie  prettiest  of  the  fair 
competitors  for  roriniihini  hni»|tinesH. 

Till'  fiith<'r  wo  may  not  dismiss  so  hastily,  lie  was— 'btit,  before  attempt- 
in,'^  Uw  portraiture  of  his  character,  we  will,  in  the  best  of  our  ability,  sketch 
his  pt'i-soii. 

l-ct  the  reador  fancy  an  old  man  of  about  sixty,  possessed  of  that  eomforl- 
nbl(!  auii)titu(lt'  of  p'rson  wliicli  is  the  result  rather  of  a  mind  at  pi'aee  with 
itself,  and  iindisturluiil  by  worldly  care,  than  (»f  any  marked  iudnlKcnc!  in  in- 
ddlent  habits.  Let  him  next  invest  tliis  eomfortahle  person  in  a  sort  of  Oxford 
prey,  roarse  eafjote,  or  frock,  of  rapacious  si/o,  tied  closeFy  round  the  wai«t 
with  OIK!  of  those-parti-colornd  worsted  sashes,  we  have,  on  a  fornu-r  occasion 
desoiilied  as  p^vMiliar  to  the  hour!j;eois  Settlers  of  tlie  country.  Next,  suffering 
the  eye  to  descend  on  and  ailmiro  the  rotunf!  and  fleshy  thiph,  let  it  drop  gra- 
dually to  the  stout  and  nius(;ular  Ie.rs,  which  he  must  invest  in  a  pair  of 
closely  fittinij;  leathern  trowsoiv;,  tin-  wide-seamed  edjres  of  which  are  slit  into 
innumerable  5niall  strips,  much  after  the  fasl.  .n\  of  the  American  IruHan. 
When  he  has  cotnpleted  the  survey  of  (he  lower  extremities,  to  which  he  must 
not  f^iii  (o  subjoin  a  loot  of  proportionate  dunensions,  tightl}'  nioccasined,  and, 
moreover,  furnished  with  a  pair  of  old  English  hunting  s[)urs,  the  reader  must 
then  examine  the  head  with  which  this  heavy  piece  of  animated  machinery  is 
surmounted.  From  beneath  a  coarse  felt  hat,  p;arnished  with  an  ineh-wido 
band  or  ribbon,  let  him  imajjine  he  sce.s  the  yet  vi}j;orous  p;roy  hair,  descending; 
over  a  forehead  not  alt,o^:;cther  wantin<»  in  a  certain  dignity  of  expression,  and 
terniinalin;;;  in  a  bectlin*!;  brow,  silvered  also  with  the  frost  of  years,  and 
.sliadowinp;  a  sharp,  pre)',  intellip;ent  eye,  the  vivacity  of  whose  expression  de- 
notes its  i)ossessor  U)  be  far  in  advance,  in  spirit,  even  of  his  still  active  and 
powerfid  frame.  With  these  must  be  connected  a  snub  nose — a  dotihle  cldn, 
adorned  with  grizzly  honors,  which  are  borne,  like  the  fleece  of  the  lamb, 
only  occasionally  to  the  shears  of  the  shearer — and  a  small,  and  not  unhand- 
some, mouth,  at  certain  periods  pursed  into  an  expression  of  irresiHtihlo 
humor,  but  more  frequently  expressing;  a  sense  of  lofty  in(iependence.  The 
grisly  neck,  little  more  or  less  bared,  ns  the  season  may  demand — a  kerchief 
loosely  tied  around  the  collar  of  a  checkered  shirt — aiwl  a  knotted  cudgel  in 
his  hand — and  we  think  our  sketch  of  Simon  Girty  is  complete. 

Nor  must  the  reader  picture  to  himself  this  combination  of  animal  proper- 
ties, eith'*r  standing,  or  lying,  or  walking,  or  sitting  ;  but  in  a  measure  glued, 
('entaur-like.  to  the  back  of  a  nobdc  .stallion,  vigorous,  active,  and  of  a  dark 
chestnut  color,  with  silver  mane  and  tail.  In  the  course  of  many  years  that 
Simon  had  resided  in  the  neighborhood,  no  Oiie  could  remember  to  have  seen 
him  stand,  or  lie.  or  walk,  or  sit,  while  away  from  his  home,  unless  absolutely 
comix'lled.  I'oth  horse  and  rider  seemed  as  though  they  could  not  exist  wliilo 
separateil.  and  yet  Silvertail  (thus  was  the  stallion  named)  was  not  more  re- 
markable in  sleekness  of  coat,  soundness  of  carcase,  and  ileetness  of  pace,  than 
liis  rider  was  in  the  characteristics  of  corpulcn(;y  and  joviality. 

Simon  (Jirty  had  pass(!d  the  greater  part  of  his  younger  days  in  America, 
lie  had  borne  arms  in  the  revolution,  and  was  one  of  those  faithful  loyalists, 
Avbo.  jireferring  rather  to  abandon  a  soil  which,  after  all,  was  one  of  adoption, 
than  the  Hag  under  which  they  had  been  nurtured,  had,  at  the  termination 
of  that  contest,  passed  over  into  Cijnada.  Having  .served  in  one  of  those  irre- 
pular  corps,  several  of  which  had  been  employed  with  the  Indians,  during  the 
revolutionary  contest,  ho  had  acquired  much  of  the  language  of  these  latter, 
and  to  this  knowledge  was  indebted  for  the  situation  of  interpreter  which  ho 
hail  (or  years  cnjoyerl.  Unhappily  for  himself,  however,  the  salary  attached 
to  the  office  was  suflicient  to  keep  him  in  independence,  and,  to  the  idleness 
consequent  on  this,  (for  the  duties  of  an  interpreter  weiv;  only  occasional,) 
might  have  been  attributed  the  rapid  growth  of  a  vice — an  addiction  to  liquor 
—which  unchecked  indulgence  bad  now  rip'-'ned  into  positive  di.sease. 

(treat  was  the  teiTor  that  Simon  was  wont  to  excite  in  the  goml  people  of 
Amherstburg.       With  Silvertail  at  his  speed  ho  would  gallop  into  the  town, 


I;  of  the  fuif 

0  attompt- 
lity,  sketch 

at  coinftrrt- 
pi-arc  witli 
'S'uc-  in  in- 
t  of  Oxford 

1  tlio  wnifit 
er  occasion 
;t.  HiifFcrinjjj 
t  drop  f;;rn- 

a  p;iir  of 
iro  siit  into 
an  Iridinn. 
oh  ho  must 
isiiicd,  and, 
eadir  must 
iichinory  is 

inoh-wHlo 
di'scoiidiiij^ 
ession,  and 
years,  and 
irossion  do- 

artivc  and 
otihio  cliin, 

tho  lamb, 
:)t  nnliand- 
irresistiblo 
?n(M'.  Tlio 
a  korcyiit'f 

cudgol  in 

lal  proper- 
lire  ghiod, 
of  a  (hirk 
years  that 
liave  seen 
absolutely 
pxist  whilo 
t  more  re- 
pace,  than 

I  America. 

loyalists, 
adoption, 
nnination 
those  irre- 
durina;  the 
L'se  latter, 
which  lio 
'  attached 

0  idleness 
x;nsional,) 

1  to  liquor 

people  of 
the  town, 


THE     PROPIIKCy     FULFILLKD. 


47 


brnndishin;];  liis  ciidi'ol,  ami  reeling  from  side  to  siflo,  cxhildtin;;  ftt  ono  mo- 
ment the  joyotis  olu'raetcr  of  a  Sileniis,  at  another,  as  WO  have  already  shown 
— that  of  an  iniihriated  Cetitaur.  Oeeasionally  he  woidd  make  Iris  a|)pearanee. 
holding  his  sides  convulsed  witli  laughter,  as  he  reeled  and  tott^rc^l  in  vvny 
di  cction,  hut  without  ever  h>siu;^  liis  efiuiiihriuin.  At  other  tiihes  he  woidd 
utter  a  loud  shout,  and,  hrandishin;^  liis  cu  Ifrd,  dart  at  full  sjjeed  alon;?  the 
Ktreels,  as  if  he  purposed  singly  to  carry  the  t(»\vu  hy  (what  Midillemorc  often 
facetiously  called)  a  coup  dc  main.  At  these  moui.nts  wertJ  to  be  seen 
nmthers  rushin;^  into  tho  street  to  look  for,  and  hurry  away,  their  loiterinjr 
ollsprinij;,  while  even  adults  were  <;lad  to  hasten  their  luoviMiicuts,  in  order  to 
escape  collision  with  tho  formidable  Simon  ;  not  that  eitlicr  aj»prcliended  tl»u 
slifthtest  act  of  personal  violence  from  tin;  old  man,  for  he  was  harndcss  of 
evil  as  a  chiM,  but  l)ecause  they  feared  the  polished  hoofs  of  Silvertail,  which 
Rhone  amid  tho  clouds  of  <hist  thoy  raised  as  he  passed,  like  rinfjsof  binnished 
silver.  ICvcn  the  very  Indians,  with  whom  the  streets  W(!re  at  this  period 
habitually  crowded,  were  glad  to  Im.;:  tho  sid(;s  of  the  houses,  while  Simon 
passed  ;  and  they  who,  on  other  oeeasions,  would  havi^  deenuHl  it  in  tlu*  hi'^h- 
est  (h\a;reo  derogatory  to  their  dignity  to  have  stepped  aside  at  the  ai)proa(;li 
of  dangor,  or  to  have  relax'iMl  a  mu-icle  of  their  stern  countenance,  would  then 
open  a  passage  witli  a  rapidity  which  in  them  was  remarkable,  and  hurst  into 
loud  laughter  as  thoy  lied  from  side  to  side  to  make  way  for  Simon.  Some- 
times, on  these  occasions,  the  latter  woidd  suddenly  check  Silvertail,  while  in 
fidl  career,  and,  in  a  voice  that  could  h<*.  he.ard  from  .almost  every  qunrter  of 
the  little  town,  harangue  them  for  half  an  hour  together  in  their  ow'n  lan- 
puage,  and  with  an  air  of  authority  that  w!m  ludicrous  to  those  who  witiiesseil 
it — and  must  have  been  witnesseil  to  bo  conceived.  Occasionallj'-  a  guttural 
"ugh"  would  In!  responded  in  mock  approval  of  the  spee:;h.  but  more  fre- 
quently a  laugh,  on  tho  part  of  the  more  youthful  of  his  red  auditors,  was  the 
only  notice  taken.  His  lecture  concluded,  Simon  would  again  brandish  his 
cuilgel,  and  vociferate  another  shout ;  then  betaking  himsislf  to  tlie  nearest 
{Store,  he  would  urge  Silvertail  upDu  the  f()otw;iy,  anrl  with  a  tap  of  his  rude 
cudgel  against  the  door,  summon  whoever  was  within,  to  jipjiear  with  a  glass 
of  his  favorite  beverage.  And  this  would  he  repeat,  until  lie  had  drained  what 
he  called  his  stirrup  cup,  at  every  shop  in  the  place  where  t!ie  poisonous 
liquor  was  vended. 

Were  such  a  cliaracter  to  make  liis  aippearanre  in  the  Mother  Country,  en- 
dangering, to  all  perception,  the  lives  of  the  Sovereign's  liege  subjects,  ho 
would,  if  in  London,  be  hunted  to  death  like  a  wild  beast,  by  at  least  one  half 
of  the  Metropolitan  police  ;  and,  if  in  a  provincial  town,  would  be  beset  by  a 
posse  of  constables.  No  one,  however — not  even  the  solitary  constable  of 
Amherstburgh,  ever  ventured  to  interfere  with  Simon  Girty,  who  w.as  in  some 
degree  a  privileged  character.  Nay,  strange  as  it  m.ay  appear,  notwithstand- 
ing his  confirmed  habit  of  inebriety,  tho  old  man  stood  high  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, not  only  with  sim])ie  but  with  gentle,  for  there  were  seasons  when  he 
evinced  himself  "a  ration.al  being,"  ami  there  was  a  dignity  of  manner  about 
him.  which,  added  to  his  then  quietude  of  demeanor,  insensibly  interested  in 
his  favor,  those  oven  who  were  most  forward  to  condemn  the  vice  to  whicli  ho 
was  unfortunately  addicted.  Not,  be  it  understood,  that  in  naming  seasons  of 
rationality,  we  u>ean  .seasons  of  positive  abstemiousness  ;  nor  can  this  well  be, 
seeing  that  Simon  never  passed  a  day  of  strict  sobriety  during  the  last  twenty 
years  of  his  life.  But.  it  might  be  .said,  that  his  three  divisions  of  day — morn- 
mg.  noon  and  night — were  characterise<l  by  three  corresponding  divisions  of 
dnmkennoss — namely,  drunk,  drunker,  and  most  drunk.  It  was,  therefore, 
in  the  first  stage  of  his  graduated  .'icale,  that  Simon  appeared  in  his  most  ami- 
able and  winning,  because  his  least  unproarious.  mood.  His  libations  com- 
menced at  early  moi^,  and  his  inebriety  became  progressive  to  the  close  of  the 
day.  To  one  who  could  ride  home  at  night,  as  he  invariably  did,  after  .some 
twelve  hours  of  hard  and  continued  drinking,  without  rolling  from  his  horse, 
it  would  not  be  diflicult  to  enact  the  sober  man  in  its  earlier  stages.    As  his 


18 


I 


MATILDA     MONTOOMF.  RIE 


OR. 


intnxicntion  was  relative  to  Itiniscir,  so  was  liis  sr.bricty  in  r..jj;,'ii<'  k»  MiWS" 
and  all.lioiij»1i,  at  mid-day,  he  iiii,'j;lit  have  swall(<Wfd  sunicient  to  have  caiisiv.i 
mother  jn;iTi  to  bite  the  (hist,  he  looked  and  spoke,  and  actc  \  as  if  lie  hnd 
been  a  niojel  of  temperance.  I(  ho  passed  a  laily  in  the  street,  or  saw  her  at 
her  window  Simon  (Jirty's  hat  was  instaiit'y  removed  from  his  venerable 
head,  and  his  body  inclined  forward  over  his  saddle-bow,  witli  all  the  easy 
prace  of  a  well-born  f;entleman,  and  one  .icctistomed  from  infancy  to  pay  de- 
ference to  wojiinn  ;  nav,  this  at  an  hour  >i'lien  he  had  inbibed  enon]tich  of  hi.l 
favorite  liquor  to  have  rendered  most  men  insensible  even  to  their  presence. 
These  habits  of  conrtesy,  exteiideil  ir.on'over  to  the  oHicers  of  the  parrison. 
and  sndi  otliers  amonj;  the  civilians  .is  Simon  felt  to  be  wortliy  of  liis  notice. 
llis  tones  of  salutation,  at  these  moments,  were  soft,  his  manner  resjicctfiil, 
even  {^rawfiil  ;  aul  while  there  was  nothin};  of  the  abashedness  of  the  inferior, 
tlicre  was  also  no  olfensive  famili.trity,  in  the  occasional  conversations  held  by 
liim  with  the  dilicrent  mdivithials,  or  grou()S,  who  surrounded  anil  accosted 
him. 

Such  M'as  Simon  Girty,  in  tho  first  staf^o  of  his  inebriety,  no  outward  sifrn 
of  which  was  visiljle.  In  the  second,  his  p.-rception  became  more  obscured,  his 
voice  loss  distinct,  his  tone^  less  {gentle  and  msinuatinjji;,  and  occasionally  tho 
cndj!;el  would  rise  in  rapid  flourish,  while  now  and  then  a  loud  lialloo  would 
burst  /roin  lun;!;s,  which  the  oceans  of  whiskey  tliey  had  imbibed  had  not  yet, 
Apparently,  much  ad'ected.  These  were  infallible  indices  of  the  more  feverish 
.sta<;o,  of  which  the  <!;alljpinirs  of  Silvertail — the  vociferations  of  his  master — 
the  increasiii'j;  lioiirisljinR  of  theciid'j,*'! — the  supposed  danger  of  oliildren — an<l 
the  consequent  alarm  of  mothers,  to;;;etlier  witli  the  harangues  to  the  Indian 
auditory,  were  the  alia'.)st  daily  results. 

There  was  oneind,vi(hi;il,  however,  in  the  town  of  Amhorstburpjh.of  whom, 
despite  his  natural  wilfulness  of  character.  Simon  Girty  stood  much  in  awe, 
and  that  to  siicli  a  dfirree,  that  if  ho  chanced  to  encounter  him  in  his  mad  pro- 
gres.s.  llis  presence  had  tho  edectof  iinnKsdiately  quietmpc  him.  This  gentleman 
was  the  father  of  the  Granthams,  who,  although  then  filling  a  civil  situation, 
had  formerly  bren  a  field  olllcer  in  the  corps  in  which  Simon  had  served  ;  and 
who  had  carried  with  him  into  private  life  those  qualities  of  .stern  e.xcellcnco 
for  which  he  iiad  been  remarkal)Ic  as  a  soldier — qualities  which  had  won  to 
him  the  res-.pect  and  aflection,  not  only  of  the  little  community  over  which,  in 
the  capacity  oitMts  chief  magistrate,  he  had  presided,  but  also  of  the  inhabitants 
of  the  country  gener.llly  for  many  miles  around.  Temperate  to  an  extremo 
himseif,  .Major  Grantham  held  the  vice  of  drunkenness  in  deserved  abhor- 
rence, anl  so  fir  from  sharing  the  general  toleration  extended  to  the  old  man. 
whose  Oi-iirinality  (harmless  as  he  ever  was  in  his  intoxication,)  often  proved  a 
motive  fur  encouragement;  he  never  failed,  on  encountering  him,  to  bestow 
llis  censure  in  a  manner  that  had  an  immediate  and  obvious  elFect  on  tho 
culprit.  If  Simon,  from  one  end  of  the  street,  beheld  Major  Grantham 
approaching  at  the  other,  he  was  wont  to  turn  abruptly  away  ;  but  if  per- 
chance the  magistrate  came  so  unexpectedly  npon  him  as  to  preclude  tho 
possibility  of  retreat,  he  appeared  as  one  suddenly  sobered,  and  would  rein  in 
his  horse,  fully  prepared  for  the  stern  lecture  which  he  was  well  aware  would 
ensue. 

It  afforded  no  slight  amusement  to  tho  townspeople,  and  particularly  tho 
young  urchins,  who  usually  looked  up  to  Simon  with  awe.  to  be  witnesses  of 
one  of  those  rencontres.  In  a  moment,  tho  shouting — galloping — rauipagin«j 
cudgel- wiclder  was  to  be  seen  changed,  as  if  by  some  magic  power,  into  a  being 
of  ahnost  child-like  obi'diencc.  while  he  listened  attentively  and  deferentiallv 
to  the  lecture  of  Major  Grantham,  whom  he  both  loved  and  feared.  On  thcso 
occasions,  he  would  hang  his  head  upon  his  chest— ^confess  his  error — and 
promise  solemnly  to  amend  his  course  of  life,  althongli  it  must  be  needless  to 
Add  that  never  was  that  promise  heeded.  Not  unfrequently,  after  these  Ice 
ture.s,  when  Major  Grantham  had  left  him.  Simon  would  turn  his  horse,  and, 
with  his  arms  still  folded  across  his  chest,  sutler  Silvertail  to  pursue  his  homc- 


W 
la 

}» 
w 
w 

111 
tv 
r1 
nil! 


THE    PROPHECY     rULFILLKD. 


49 


<'  to  Miurjt'  • 
)  Imve  caiist.i 

.HH  if  lie  lind 
[)r  saw  liiT  at 
liirt  vciK'ralile 

.ill  tho  easy 
c.y  to  pay  <!•- 
'noii<ijh  of  hi.i 
leir  iiresciice. 
tho  parrison. 
of  his  notice, 
er  rosppotful, 
f  the  inferior, 
tions  held  hy 

and  accosted 

outward  sijrn 
obscured,  liiii 
visional ly  tho 
halloo  would 
had  not  yet, 
more  feverisli 
his  master — 
hildren — ami 
to  the  Indian 

•gh,  of  whom, 
much  in  awe, 
his  mad  pro- 
pis  gentleman 
vil  situation, 
served  ;  and 
n  excel lonco 
had  won  to 
^er  which,  in 
inhabitants 
an  extrcmo 
ved  abhor- 
the  old  man. 
"ten  jiroved  a 
to  bestow 
Ifect  on  tho 
Grantham 
but  if  per- 
)ivclii(le  tho 
ould  rein  in 
ware  would 

icnlarly  tho 

ivitnesscs  of 

-rampa;j;in,^ 

into  a  bein^ 

eferentiallv 

On  thcso 

error — and 

needless  to 

!r  these  Ice 

liorse.  and, 

e  his  home- 


ward course,  while  he  himself,  silent  and  thoughtful,  and  lookinj;  like  a  cu!prit 
Liken  in  the  fact, sat  steadily  in  Ids  saddle,  without  however  v«nturin,T;  to  turn 
his  eye  either  to  the  ri^;ht  or  to  the  left,  as  he  ))ass','d  throu'^h  the  crowd,  who, 
with  faces  stron<^ly  expressive  of  mirth,  marked  their  sense  of  the  chaiiRO 
which  h.id  been  produced  in  the  old  interpreter.  Those  who  had  seen  hitn 
thus  for  the  first  time,  mijiht  have  .suppostxl  that  a  reformation  in  onesoajjpa- 
ivntly  touched  would  have  ensued  ;  but  loni;;  experieucre  had  tauj^ht  that, 
»lthou;j;h  a  twni'jreof  conscience,  or  more  pnjbably  fear  of,  ai\d  respect  for,  the 
maf:istrate.  ntijjht  induce  a  momentary  humiliation,  all  traces  of  cau.so  and 
cU'ect  would  have  vanished  with  the  comin,:::  dawn. 

To  the  sterlin;;^  public  virtues  he  boasted,  Simon  Girty  united  th.it  o4 
loyalty  in  no  common  degree.  A  more  staunch  adherent  to  the  i'.ritish  crown 
li.xisted  nowhere  in  the  soveroi;^n's  dominions  ;  and  such  was  his  devotedne.srt 
to  "  Kinp;  G('or<je,"  that,  albeit  he  could  not  in  all  possibility  have  made  the 
ffacriti"Oof  his  love  for  whiskey,  he  would  willin;;ly  have  suH'ercil  his  lefl  ari)> 
to  be  severed  from  his  body,  had  si\ch  proof  of  his  attachment  to  the  throno 
been  required.  I'roportioned  to  his  love  for  everything!;  IJritish,  arose,  as  a 
natural  cor.sequence,  liis  dislike  for  everyt-hin*^  anti-IJritish ;  and  especially  for 
those  who.  under  the  ji;uiao  of  allegiance,  had  conducted  themselves  io  a  way 
to  become  objects  of  suspicion  to  the  authorities.  A  near  ni'i<ihbfu"  of  Des- 
boroui;h.  he  had  watched  him  as  narrowly  as  his  Ion;;;  indulgi'd  habits  of 
intoxication  would  permit,  and  ho  had  been  tho  means  of  conveyiuj^to  Major 
Grantham  much  of  the  information  which  had  induced  that  uncitmpromisiug; 
magistrate  to  seek  tho  expulsion  of  tlio  dangerous  .settler — an  object  which, 
however,  had  bee::  <kfeated  by  the  perjury  of  the  unprincipled  individual,  in 
taking  the  customary  oaths  of  allegiance.  Since  the  deatii  of  Mnj(U'  Gran- 
tham, for  whom,  notwithstanding  his  numerous  lectures,  he  had  ever  tuit'.T- 
tained  that  reverential  esteem  which  is   the    result   of    the   ascendnncv   of 

the  powerful  and  virtuous  mind  over  tho  weak,  and  not  alisolutely  vic',o'u.s 

and  for  whose  son.s  he  felt  almost  a  fatherly  aifection — old  Giruy  had  but 
indiflerently  troubled  himself  about  Desborough,  wdio  w.is  fully  uwc.re  of  what 
he  had  previously  done  to  detect  and  expose  him,  and  con.'J  jqiu>iitlv  repaid 
with  usury — an  hostility  of  feeling  which,  however,  had  iwvct  been  broui'li-t 
to  any  practical  issue.  " 

As  a  msitter  of  course,  Simon  was  of  the  number  of  anxious  persons  col- 
lected on  the  bank  of  the  river,  on  tho  morning  of  th"-;  cr.pture  of  the  Araeri- 
can  gun-boat ;  but,  as  ho  was  only  then  emerging  from  his  first  sta<>-e  of  in- 
toxication (which  we  have  already  shown  to  be  toatamount  to  perfect  sobri* 
ety  in  any  other  person),  there  ha<i  been  uo'tivne  for  a  display  of  those  n[>. 
roarious  qualities  which  characterised  tho  last,  and  wliich.  once  let  loose 
^icarcely  even  the  presi^nce  of  tho  General  could  have  restrained.  "\V  ith  an 
acuteness,  however,  which  is  often  to  be  remarked  in  habitual  drunkards  at 
moments  when  their  intellect  is  unclouded  by  the  confusedness  to  whii^h  they 
are  more  couirnonly  suttject,  tho  hawk's  eye  of  the  old  man  had  <ietecieu  sev- 
eral particulars  which  h.id  escaped  the  general  attention.  ^  '^  of  which  he  had, 
at  a  later  period  of  the  day.  retained  sutlicient  recollect'  •  t  connect  with  an 
accic'ental,  yet  important  discovery. 

At  the  moment  when  the  prisoners  were  landed,  he  had  remarked  Desbo- 
rough, who  had  uttered  tho  hasty  exclamation  already  recorded,  stealing 
cautiously  through  the  .surrounding  crowd,  and  apparently  endeavoring  to 
arrest  the  attention  of  the  younger  of  the  Ameiican  olTicers.  An  occasional 
pressing  of  the  spur  into  the  flank  of  Silvertail,  enabled  him  to  turn  as  the 
settler  turned,  jind  thus  to  keep  liim  constantly  in  view ;  until,  at  length,  as 
the  latter  approached  the  group  of  which  General  Brock  and  Commod'oro 
Barclay  formed  the  centi-e,  he  observed  him  distinctly  to  make  a  sign  of  intel- 
ligence to  the  Militia  Ollicer,  whose  eye  ho  at  length  attracted,  and  who  now 
bestowed  npon  him  a  glance  of  hasty  and  furtive  recognition.  Curiositv  in- 
duced Simon  to  move  Silvertail  a  little  more  in  advance,  in  orJer  to  be  en- 
abled to  obtain  a  better  view  of  the  prisoners;  but  the  latter,  turnin"-  away 


&0 


MATIIOA     MONTOOMb:RIR 


OR, 


hi's  head  At  tlio  moment,  n'tlioiijih  appiircnlly  witliout  dosi'^n,  Imfflod  his  pen 
ctration.     Slill  lie  had  ii  confused  and  indistinct  idea  that  tlie  person  was  not 
wholly  iniknown  to  him. 

When  the  piisonei-K  liad  hccn  disposod  of.  and  tlio  crowd  dispersed,  Simon 
ct  tinned  to  Iinjr»'r  near  thecoinicii-iionse,  cxchany;inp  frreotuvj;s  with  tho  newly 
arrived  cliiefM,  and  (hinkinsr  from  whatever  whiskey  holtle  was  olFered  to  liini, 
until  he  at  len;;th  pive.  lapid  indieation  of  arrivin;.^  at  liis  tliird  or  p^and  eli- 
jiwH'terie.  Then  were  to  he  heard  tiio  loud  shontinjis  of  his  voice,  and  tho 
elalterin;;  of  Silvcrtail's  hoofs,  as  lior.^c  anil  rider  Hew  hke  lij^htninf;  past  tho 
fort  into  the  town,  where  n  more  than  usual  quantity  of  the  favorite  lifpiid 
was  quailed  t\t  the  several  stores,  in  commemoration,  a.'-  itl,  of  tho  victory 

of  his  n()l)le  hoy.  (Jeralil  (Jrantiiam,  and  to  tho  .sucot  aio  IJritish  arnw 

generally  throui^Iioiit  (he  war. 

Amon;;  tho  faults  of  Simon  Qirty,  was  certainly  not  that  of  nc^Iectinf^  thn 
nohle  animal  to  whom  loup;  liahit  }iad  deeply  attaelied  him.  Silvertail  was 
C(iually  a  favoiite  with  the  son,  who  had  more  than  once  ritldon  him  in  tho 
Ovicasional  races  that  took  pl.-ice  upon  tlio  hard  samis  of  tho  lake  shore,  and  in 
wliich  ho  had  horno  everything  away.  As  Simoji  was  over  conscious  and 
rollectod  ahout  tliis  hour,  care  was  duly  taken  hy  him  that  his  liorso  should 
ho  fed,  without  the  trouhlo  to  liimself  of  dismouiitinj,'.  Kven  as  Girty  sat  in 
his  saddle.  Silvertail  w;is  in  tlie  <laily  practice  of  munehinj;  his  corn  out  of  :i 
Hmall  trouj^^h  that  stooil  in  the  yard  of  tho  inn  where  he  usually  stopped,  whilo 
his  rider  conversed  with  whoever  chanced  to  ho  near  him — the  head  of  his 
cudgel  reslin,::;  im  his  ample  thi;;h,  and  a  glass  of  his  favorite  whiskey  in  his 
other  ami  unoccui)ied  hand. 

Now  it  chanced  that,  on  this  particular  d.ay,  Simon  neglected  to  pay  his 
customary  visit  to  the  inn.  an  omission  which  was  owinj^  nitlier  to  tho  hurry 
and  excitement  occasioned  by  the  stirrinf;  events  of  the  v.  ^rninpr.  than  to  any 
wilAd  ncjj;Iect  of  his  steccL  Nor  was  it  until  .some  '  '  after  dark  that, 
seized  with  a  .sudden  fit  of  care.s.sinsr  Silvertail,  whose  neck  ho  patted, 

until  the  tears  of  warm  affectiou  started  to  his  eyes,  he  u^  >up;ht  him  of  tho 
omission  of  wliich  he  had  heen  suilt}'.  Scarcely  was  the  thou;;ht  conceived, 
before  Silvertail  was  airaiii  at  full  career,  and  on  his  -way  to  the  inn.  Tho  '^ato 
Btood  open,  p.nd,  as  Simon  entered,  ho  .saw  two  indivi<hials  retire,  as  if  to 
escape  obsei-vation,  within  a  shed  adjoinin,:?  the  stalvle.  Drimk  as  he  was,  a 
vaj^iie  consciousness  of  the  trutli,  connected  as  it  was  with  his  earlier  ob.serva- 
tion.  Hashed  across  the  old  man's  mind  ;  and  when,  in  answer  to  his  lou<l 
liallooinjz;.  a  factotum,  on  whom  dr\olvc(l  all  the  numerous  oflicers  of  the  inn, 
from  waiter  down  to  ostler,  mrfde  his  appearance,  Simon  added  to  his  loudly 
expressed  denxand  for  Silvcrtail's  corn,  a  whispered  injunction  to  return  with 
a  light.  During  t!ie  absence  of  the  man.  he  conuuenced  trolling  a  verso  of 
'•Oid  King  Cole."  a  fivorite  ballad  with  him.  and  with  tlie  indilleronce  of  on« 
who  believes  himself  to  be  alone.  Presently  the  light  appeared,  and.  as  the 
bearer  approached,  its  rays  fell  on  the  forms  of  two  men,  retired  into  the  fur- 
thest extremity  of  the  .sjied  and  crouching  to  the  earth  as  if  in  concealment, 
vvliom  Simon  recognised  at  a  glance,  lie  however  took  v^  notice  of  tho  cir- 
einnstanco  to  the  ostler,  or  even  gave  the  slightest  indication,  by  look  or  move- 
ment, of  what  he  had  seen. 

When  tho  man  had  watered  Silvertail  and  put  his  corn  in  the  trough,  ho 
returned  to  the  house,  and  Simon,  with  his  arms  folded  across  his  chest,  as 
his  hoi-sc  crunched  his  food,  listened  attentively  to  catch  whatever  conver- 
sation might  ensue  between  tho  loiterers.  Not  a  word  however  was  uttered, 
and  soon  after  he  saw  them  emerge  from  their  concealment — step  cautiously 
behind  him — cross  the  }'ard  towai'ds  tho  gate  by  which  he  had  entered — and 
then  disappear  altogether.  During  this  movement  the  old  man  had  kept  him- 
fiolf  perfectly  still,  .so  that  there  could  be  no  suspicion  that  he  had  in  any  way 
oDserved  them.  Nay,  he  even  spoke  once  or  twice  coaxingly  to  Silvertail,  as 
if  conscious  only  of  the  presence  of  that  animal,  and,  in  short,  conducted  him- 
self in  a  manner  well  worthy  of  the  cunning  of  a  drunken  man.    The  reliec 


THK     PliOCHKCY     rULril.LSD. 


n(f[ci{  Iu'h  pen 
KTson  was  not 

prrscd,  Simon 
kitli  tho  newly 
DHonfil  to  liiiii, 

or  pxaml  rli- 

voice,  and  tho 

tniiif;  past  tho 

fiivorito  lifiuifl 

of  the  victory 

IJritish  arms 

ncn;I('ctinf^  thu 
Silvprlail  was 
len  hitn  in  tho 

slioro.  iind  in 
conscious  and 

liorso  should 
M  (jirty  sat  in 

corn  out  o!'  :v 
stopiJC'd,  whilo 
:ie  i)oad  of  his 
vhiskcy  in  hra 

id  to  pay  his 
•  to  tho  liurrv 
r.  than  to  any 
tor  dai'k.  tliat. 
I'k  lit'  patted, 
it  him  of  tho 
;ht  conceived, 
m.    The  '^ato 
"ctire.  iis  if  to 
as  he  was,  a 
liter  observa- 
r  to  liis  loud 
'rs  of  the  inn, 
to  his  loudly 
0  return  with 
njj;  a  verse  of 
erence  of  on« 
.  and.  as  the 
into  the  fur- 
concealment, 
ice  of  the  cir- 
ook  or  move- 
he  trough,  ho 
his  chest,  as 
:evcr  convcr 
was  uttered, 
ep  cautiously 
entered — ami 
ad  kept  hiin- 
I  in  any  way 
Silvertail,  as 
ndnctcd  him- 
The  rellec 


Hons  to  which  thin  inddent  pave  rise,  had  the  rlTcct  0)f  calling:  up  4  (l<'«TfwrftU 
fit  of  loyalty,  which  he  only  awaited  the  termination  of  Silvcrtail'H  hasty 
meal  to  put  into  imiitrdiato  activity.  Another  shout  to  tho  ostler,  a  second 
glass  swallowed,  tho  rcckoniiii;  paid.  Silvertail  i)itted,  and  awav  went  Simou 
once  more  at  his  wpwd  throujrh  the  now  deserted  town,  the  road  out  of  which 
to  his  own  place,  skirted  partly  tho  hanks  of  tho  river,  and  partly  those  of 
the  lake. 

After  paMopinp  ahoiit  n  mile,  tho  old  man  found  tho  feet  of  Silvertail  hury* 
ins;  themselves  momentarily  deeper  in  the  sands  which  form  the  road  ncir 
Klliot's  Point.  Unwilling  to  distress  iiim,  he  pulle<l  hu'i  uj)  to  a  wa'k,  am', 
tin  iwinf.:;  the  reins  upon  his  nick,  folded  his  arms  as  usual,  rollin?;  from  sido 
to  side,  at  ever}'  moment,  and  audibly  musing,  in  the  thick,  liu.sky  voice  that 
was  common  to  him  in  ineljriet}'. 

"  Yes,  by  Jove,  I  am  as  true  and  loyal  a  subject  as  any  in  the  service  of 
King  George.  (lod  ble.ss  him  (here  he  liowed  iiis  head  invohnifarily  an<l  with 
resp"ct).  and  though,  as  that  poor  dear  old  (Jrantham  used  to  say,  I  do  drink 
a  little  niicxMtp).  still  there's  no  great  harm  in  that.  It  kee|)S  a  man  alive.  I 
am  I  he  boy.  at  all  events,  to  scent  a  rogue.  That  wa.s  Desborough  and  ois 
son  I  saw  just  now.  and  the  rascals,  he  !  he  !  he  ! — the  rascals  thought.  1  si;:>- 
pose,  I  was  too  drunk  (hiccup),  too  drunk  to  twig  thotn.  Wo.  shall  tell  theia 
another  tale  before  the  nij^ht  is  over.  D — n  such  skulking  s<'oundrels,  I  .say. 
Whoii!  Silvertail,  whoa! — what  do  you  sen  there,  my  boy,  eh  7" 

Silvertail  only  rejilied  by  the  sharp  pricking  of  his  ears,  and  a  .side  move- 
ment, which  .seemed  to  indicate  a  desire  to  keep  as  much  aloof  as  po.ssildc  from 
a  cluster  of  walnut  trees,  which,  interspersed  with  wild  grapo  vines,  may  bo 
'XH'u  to  this  hour,  resting  in  gloomv  relief  on  the  white  deep  .sands  that 
ixtend  considerably  in  that  direction 

"  Never  mind,  my  boy,  we  shall  bo  at  homo  presently,"  pursued  Simon, 
patting  the  neck  of  his  unquiet  companion.  "  Jiut,  no — [had  forgotten;  wo 
must  give  cha.sc  to  these  (hiccup)  to  these  rascals.  Now  there's  that  son  Dill 
of  mine  fast  asleep,  T  suppose,  in  the  arms  of  his  little  wife.  They  do  noCliing 
hv.t  lie  in  bed,  while  their  poor  ohl  father  is  obliged  to  be  up  at  all  h<tur.s, 
devising  plans  for  tho  good  nf  thi    King'-  service,  God  bless  him!  But  I  shall 

Boon  (hiccui)) — Who.a,  Silvertail !  whoa,  I  sjiy  !     1) n  yon,  you  brute,  do 

you  mean  to  throw  me  ?" 

The  restlessness  of  Silvertail.  despite  of  his  rider's  cares.sos,  had  been  visibly 
increasin'j;  as  they  approached  the  dark  cluster  of  walimts.  Arrived  opnosito 
to  this,  his  ears  and  (ail  erect,  he  had  evinced  even  more  than  restlessnes.s— 
alarm  :  and  something,  that  did  not  meet  the  eye  of  his  rider,  caused  him  to 
take  a  sideward  spring  of  .several  feet.  It  was  this  action  that,  nearly  un.seat- 
ing  Siitwjn.  had  drawn'froin  hitn  the  impatient  exclamation  ju-^t  recorded. 

At  length  the  thicket  was  passed,  and  Silvertail,  recovered  from  his  alarm, 
moved  f()i-W!ird  once  more  on  the  bound,  in  obedience  to  the  well  known  whis 
tie  of  Ills  master. 

'■  Good  speed  have  they  made,"  again  mused  Simon,  as  he  approached  hi? 
home  :  "  if  indeed,  as  I  suspect,  it  be  thein  who  are  hiding  in  yonder  thicket. 
Silvertail  could  not  have  been  more  than  ten  minutes  (inishing  his  (hiccup) 
his  corn,  and  the  .san  is  had  but  little  time  to  warm  bein-ath  his  hoofs  when  he 
did  start.  These  Yankees  arc  swift  footed  fellows,  as  I  have  had  good  (hiccup) 
good  cxpericnco  in  the  oM  war.  when  I  could  run  a  little  my.i^elf  like  the  best 
of  them.  Milt  hero  we  are  at  last.  Whoa.  Silvertail.  whoa  !  and  now  to  turn 
outliill  from  his  little  wife,     liill,  I  say,  hilloa  !  hilloa  !  Rill,  hdloa!" 

Lor.g  habit,  which  had  tiiugtit  the  old  man's  truly  excellent  and  evemplary 
son  tho  utter  hopelessness  of  his  disease,  had  also  familiarized  him  with  tlu"^ 
nightly  interruptions  to  his  slumbers.  A  light  was  .speedily  seen  to  flash 
across  the  chambur  in  wliich  he  slept,  and  presently  the  princij)al  door  of  tho 
lower  building  w.as  unbarred,  ana  immurmiiiing  and  uncomplaining,  the  half- 
dressed  young  man  stood  in  the  presence  of  his  father.  Phcing  tho  light  on 
the  threshold,  ho  prepared  to  asir.st  him  as  usual  to  dismount,  but  Simon,  con* 


i 


■a 


es 


M  A  r  I  I.  V  \     M  O  N  r  (I  O  M  i',  K  (  K  i     O  R  * 


ilrnrv  toou^timi,  rrjivtod  for  n  lime  cvn y  olVcr  of  llit<  Uiml.  IIU  iniiiil  oanlUtp 
'llutMijrli  Uu'  nisiht.  tvii,  ihIiKmI  lo  (ln>  moiv  IIihm  unliumy  ipiiuilily  ol  « liiHk».<y 
i\v  lind  tltnt  «l(iy  swnllowi'vl,  wos  mtvv  |»roiliiciii>t  ilM  cH'crt,  niid,  wliilc  even 
^tilinv  of  IiIm  t'uuu(oui>ni't'  inuiiifctltMl  (ho  cstii'tiu'  of  uiiiiiiiti  Hlii|iiilily,  lii^ 
♦ppnhci  Miou  \v;\iul('i-<'(|  mill  Imm  voii-o  Iti'i'iiiuii  iili»i»'»l  iiiurhrnlHfc,  Willtoiil 
iI»o  nmv  T  to  ncqimiitl  \\\h  moh  willi  tl\i>  pmiut'io  l>i<  liuil  in  vioiv,  niid  of  vvliit  li 

-W  himM(>|f  iK»\v  vntcr-liMuoil  Imt.  n  vt-ry  iiuliwlmfl,  rcrollci'tion,  lie  yrl  nIkivo, 

i|ni|n>IU'^i  as  l\»<  WrtH  l)y  I>iH  rO:\fiiMt>i|ito«4)»  of  iiid'niiou,  to  n>l,nin  liis  mi-hI,  Inil  \vi»n 
livpiiliiullv  iinln)rs,t(l   \\\^\  liuinlcd  ovoi- to  tlu' iiuv  of  liis  |irol)v  il;iii 'liti'i  m- 

,Jii\v.  xvlioso  otlico  it,  WiVJ  lo  dispoMi'  of  Iniit  for  Uio  nijjlil,  wliilo  lior  loidtiiiiil 

'ruUtii'il  tlovvu,  fed.  rthd  olhorwiso  ulloudod  to  Hilvortuil. 

\  fi'w  luxii'M  of  Noond  n1i>(>|)  rosloii'd  Simon  to  l>i'<  voii'c  iiitd  liii  riM'(»lli>(v 
lion,  \vliiM\  loH  drsiro  (o  follow  tlio  two  itidividnuh  lio  Imd  srro  in  lliu 
ynrd  of  tho  iuu  tl\o  puTodin)',   nij>lil,  tvid  wlionj  lu>  fi<l(  pKisnudod  lie  noiKt 

»pin\T  p;»ssTd  on   (l\o  roiid,  WHS  ntoro  llinn  cvfipowoi (oily  revived.     And  ytl. 

*WrtM  it  not   lii)ihly  prol>al>lo  tliitt  I1m>  fnvori>l)lo  oppmdinily  Imd  Imim)  lo-l,  iiikI 

-M>.'\t,  lukuij:  «dvMnl!»m>  of  tho  nij^ljl,   llioy  wt'n<  idn-idy  dopiiileil    fitiiM  llm 
A>unti  V.  if  suoh  (and  ito  dotihtod  it.  not)  wivt  (Ix'ir  inliMilion.    "  Wliil  ;v  rmHcd 

•)R»ol,"  no  uiutleivd  (o  himself  "  lo  let  n  t'nnnlttefnl  of  lupior  upset,  nie  on  snidi 

fax  o*v;\sion,   luit,  Ht   nil   eviMils,  hero  ^oeM   for   another   trial.''      Willi    llu> 
nipulient.  ov«M--mdulgv'd  Simon,  lo  determine  on  i\  conrsii  of  (letion,  wus  to 
jttirrv  d  inlo  CllWt. 

"Hdlo,'».  UillJ  I  Kfty.  Udl  n>y  ht\v  !''  Iu>  Nhonted  from  the  rhiunher  ui'xt  to 
*|lJiat  in  which  lus  soti  slept.     Uilloa!  Hill,  coine  here  direetly." 

IJill  nnswonnl  not,  Imt  ,sonnd,<  were  hoard  in  his  roomusorotv  slcppinir  out 
df  hv^l,  and  presently  the  i\oise  <»f  llint  ami  steel  uinionmetl  that  a  li;;lit  w.is 
hif'm^  .siniek,     In  n  fow  niinnio.s  tho  rathor  ju»lo<l-lookin};;  youth  opptarud  at 
■OUu'  inslstoad  of  his  parv'nt. 

"  Ihll,  niy  doar  l>ov,"  said  Simon,  in  R  more  snhdned  voieo,  "did  yon  son 
^♦nylH>\ly  |v»ss  last  ni}iht  nfler  1  eanve  homo 7  Try  und  rooollodt  yourself;  did 
j*Mi  s<H,>  two  n\on  on  the  roul  f" 

'*  I  did,  father  ;  jnst  «,s  1  had  loekod  tho  .stahle  door,  and  wascoiniii'!;  in  for 
*fchv^  «i)j;!>t,  I  .saw  two  men  |mssins:down  the  road.     Hut  why  do  yon  nsli  7" 

•'  Oid  you  speak  to  them — i-ould  yon  reeognise  them  V  asked  .^iinon,  willj- 
6iUstatn>>:  hjsuiolivo  tor  ilio  question. 

.*•  1  wisluvJ  them  ijovxl  niiilit  ;  and  one  of  th.Mn  jtrntlly  h.-ide  me  i^ood  ni'jjht 
Uo<>  ;  hot  1  t>Mild  not  m.'ike  out  who  they  were,  though  one  did  for  «  moment 
>jMrike  me  to  he  IVshoronj:;!*.  ""d  hoth  were  lallish  sort  of  men." 

"  You'iY  a  lad  of  jwnetiation,  ihll ;  now  stiddlo  me  Silverlail  as  fust  as  you 
can." 

••  S.uld'.o  SdvertJiil !  Surely,  Cither,  you  aro  not  ffyiu^  out  vet  ;  it's  not  day- 
-Hirht."        ^  * 

"  Saddle  Silvertail.  l>i"d,"  repeated  the  old  man.  with  the  air  of  one  whosv 
'"mandate  was  not  lo  bo  quostioued.  ''  But  where  thoilevil  aro  yon  j;;oinj^,  sir  .'' 
~|ie  a<ld(\i.  iuijKiliently. 

••  H'hy  to. saddle  Silvortail,  to  bo  sure,''  said  the  youth,  who  was  jnst  ciosinjj 
■iMied>H>r  for  that  p'lrpo.se. 

♦'  What,  and  leave  mo.  a  misorablo  old  man,  to  get  up  without  a  lijjht  ?     Oh 
►  Ho,  Bill.     1  thoujrlvtyou  loved  your  poor  old  father  letter  than  to  luj^het  hint 
SO — tluMV.  th.-it  will  do.     Now  send  in  l.ney  to  dress  me." 

The  hcht  was  kiudleil,  l^ill  went  in  and  spoke   to  his  wife,  then  descended 

-to  the  st.-ible.     A  tjontlo  tap  nt  the  door  of  the  old   interpreter,  and   hncy 

«nten:<l  in  her  pretty  nisjht  dress,  and,  l::df  asleep,  half  awake,  hnt  without  a 

.  uhadow  of  discontent  in  her  look,  proeeoiled  to  assist  him  in  drawiiiir  on  Iiis 

■«ttvkin>rs.    Ac.      Simon's  toilet    was   .soon  completed,   and   Silvcrl.iil    beiii;; 

snnovinoed  as  '"  all  rea»ly,"  he,  without  CH^iumunicatinu;  a  word  of  his  pnipuse, 

issued  forth  from  his  homo  just  as  the  day  was  bejiinning  to  dawn. 

Although  the  retlective  powers  of  Girlie  had  Iven  in  some  measure  restored 
kf  sleep,  it  is  by  no  means  to  be  assviinod  he  was  yet  thoroughly  soIkt.     \Ji\' 


riijiitl  ijfftllwp 
(>(  wliiwktjy 
vllilc  ('Veil 
tl|il>lllV,  n\S 
\Vitll(Ml( 

(I  (>r  wiiH  h 

yrl  sliovo, 
■lit,  Inil  wart 
nil  tlitoi  -in- 
'!'  hiiMhiiiiit 

liM  riTnlliT- 
■veil   ill    lliu 

oil   III'  IDIIKt 

Ami  yi  I, 

•1)   III  :|,  mill 

I   IVuiti  tim 

i;i(.  II  i-iumciI 

nil'  I'M  'an'U 

Willi    (lio 

on,  was  U> 

licr  ui'jit  to 

li'|i|iiii!;;  out 
u  li,!;lit  wiiH 

Ippi'illUll  III 
ill     von    M'O 

•ursoif ;  dill 

\iiii'!;  in  for 
I  asiv  ?" 
null,  wilji- 

i;i)OiI  iii'^ltt 
a  iiioiiiL'iil 

iist  «M  you 
's  not  (lay- 
one  wlmsv 
Din;:;,  sir  ?' 

list  closinj; 

i-lil?     Oh 
,l(rt  liim 

(loscciiiloil 
nii'l  l.ncy 
willioiil  :i 
ii<r  0(1  his 
tail    b^'iii^ 

S  J)UIJ»U^t', 
R'Stoil'd 

Ik.t.     Uii' 


TIIIC    puoriiKuv    riM.  VI  1. 1,  Kl)< 


(\3 


I 


r«!r*niii  in  rt'jfiiTil  to  Uifl  nioViMiioiitM  of  Uiomi  who  lind  m»  ulronK'y  •'Xditft'l  hln 
loyill  Ixmlilily,  (iiml,  iMii,yliii|i,  iit.  flm  Mionnnl,  Iijh  nnjiwity,)  it  (m-oihiciI  to  hnik 
iliiit  if  l><  Mhiiroii^h  liiul  not,  iilioiidy  Iminiil  IiIm  |titrKiiii,  u  kiiowlotlKi^  of  I  lie 
iiioViMiicntM  iiti'l  iiit('nt,ion>tor  lliitt  iiiilividiiul  nnrjit,  iii'lM'tlcr  ulititiiK'd  tVotii  iin 
ttli'idviilion  oC  what.  wii«  |iiHHiii|.i;  on  tlio  licarli  in  fiuiil  of  hm  hut.     'rtiti  ohjwt 
ol"  thiM  nHjooiiiiiNHniifo   wmn,  tlnrcroro,  only  to  k<»i<  it  Ih"  naiioti  of  tlio  wiUlt-r 
Witt  Mtilt  on  (ho  Mhoni,  nnd  with  IIiIm  olij»ct,  hn  Hulliri'd  Silvcrtiiil  to  tiiUo  lh« 
road  aloiii>  III"  Mikiid'M,  wliilo  h«  liini'4t'ir  with  liiMunnK  inlilcd  and  iii.M  In-iid  Mitiki 
oil  liiH  I'lii'Mt.,  Ii'll  inU)  a  I'ovioio  with  wIikIi  wuh  r<innf'i'l<'il  IIk*  niitiinfr  r.iid  tb9 
)|li'inm  of  Hrt.iii'iiit.i';  iho  ilisloyal  UcKlioroufrli,  Mhinild  il  h'i|i|ii'n  that  h"  had  not 
;iiit  dcpiirlrd.     'I'lio  iK'cidi'iilal   di-M'-haifj;"  of  ^^|ddl<'n^o^(l'f^  piHtol,  at.  llni  vory- 
luomiMtt  wlu'ii  Silvi'i'tail  had  donhlrd  a  point  that  lu  pt  tiio  HCi'iinorcont'oition^ 
IVoin  liiM  viow,  imil'tod  him  to  luiwo  hin  oycM,  and  then  th"  whoKi  tinlh  llaKli',<«i' 
hliddciily  upon  liim,     Wo  havo  already   Mnen  how  ^rallantly  ho  advanr,oi|  t^;, 
Ihcin,  and  how  niiidly,  nnd  in  n  tiitiMiu'i-  pocuiiiirly  liiH  own,  lio  r.(Mi^hl  Ut  at" 
niMt  Ihf  traitor  l>oMhoronp;h  in  hiM  (lif;ht. 

'Sorry  I  i  niihln't  fori'o  tht<  Mnonndicl  hank,  j^cntlomen."  «nid  Hiinoii,  a?i(  hn 
now  iippiitiii'hi'd  tlio  dHi'oinllttid  olUi'i'rs'.  "  Not  ininh  hint,  I  hopo,"  pooitiii 
with  Ins  n\  n  inuiinrd  ami  hloi'diu};  hand  to  tho  lc(/;  <»(' Aliddhttnoro.  wliicli  thu' 
itlHuci',  f^calod  on  till!  Hand,  waM  preparing  to  hind  with  a  nilk  liandkiwidiio 
"  Ah,  a  nii'ri'  IIi'mIi  woiiml,  I  ho<«.  Moitry,  llftiry  tJninthiiin,  my  poor  dfar 
hov,  whiil  still  alive  aflcr  the  <l('Spcral(w|iitchiii":o(' Hint,  fellow  at  your  throat |? 
Iliit  now  that  we  liavo  roiiti'd  th(^  enemy — miiHthn  oil'— dremdiisd  to  tini  wkin. 
No  liquor  on  the  Ktoinaeh  to  keep  out  the  «:old,  ami  if  (  onoe,  t^ct  ;ui  aj.inn  (1^ 
IIm  all  over' with  poor  old  Simon.  Must  (';allop  home,  and,  wliilo  hisi  littl*' 
wife  wiiips  a  hand.'i;^'  round  my  hand,  hIwiII  w-nd  down  Uill  with  a  litl,«!f,, 
(lood  morniii';;,  Mr.  iMi<ldleinore,  frooil  hye,  Henry,  my  hoy."  And  thcn^ 
without  (;ivinK  time  to  eithet*  to  reply,  tho  old  man  applied  ]m  r^piirH  onrci^ 
more  to  the  IIjinkH  of  Silvertail,  who,  with  droofiinj.^  mane  and  tail,  rewmhled' 
u  half  drowned  rat;  and  a|';ain  hallooini.;  deUaiiee  to  l)eHhorou(j;h,  who  lay  Uy.^ 
at  a  di.stanee,  appiici'iitly  watcihiiiK  the  niovementH  of  hiH  (fiiemiuH.  ho  r(5tnu»«Jl> 
hia  way  aloii^  the  sands  atfnll  ^-lallop,  and  waH  H|)(iedily  out  of  si)i:}it. 

Hcareely  had  (Jirty  disajipeared,  when  two  other  individuala,  evidonlly  o(B- 
ccrs.  nnd  cloaked  precisely  Ilk«  the  party  he  had  jiint  ipiittod,  ixsiiod  from  i\us 
wood  near  the  hot  Upon  the  clearin^i;,  and  tluMi';e  upon  tho  sands — their  coiir*-, 
tonanc.es  natiunlly  oxprcssinp  all  tho  surpriso  that  mi;^ht  he  siipfjosod  tonriMf 
fiom  the  picture  now  offered  to  tlieir  view. 

■'  What  in  the  iiiiiiie  of  Heaven  is  th(!  moaning  of  all  tliin?"  ft«ked  oiks  of 
tho  new<'oiiierH,  as  hotli  now  rapidly  advanceil  to  the  spot  where  Middlerrior* 
was  yet  employed  in  coolly  hifidin^  up  his  le^,  while  Me.nry  firaiilliam,  wliQ 
had  just  riH "11,  was  Kaspiiif!;  with  almost  Utdiorous  elfurts  to  refrain  hin  rcspi* 
ration. 

"  You  must  ask  tho  meaning;  of  our  frien<l  hero,  answered  Middlcmore,  wit^ 
the  low  chnckliii'^  f:;ood-naturod  lau^h  that  waM  liahituai  to  him,  whilo  he  prO« 
cci'ded  with  his  handa;i;inj;.  "  All  I  know  is,  that  I  came  out  as  a  second,  arwl 
here  have  1  hecn  made  a  firi-.li — a  prineijial.  whi<;h,  hy  the  way,  is  contrary  tO 
ill  my  principle." 

''  Do  ho  sirioiis  for  once,  Middiomore.  How  ilid  you  p;et  wounded,  and  whO 
Rrc>  those  .scoundrels  who  have  just  quitted  vou  ?  anxiously  inquired  Captain 
M<)lineux,  for  it  was  he,  and  Ijieiitenant  Villiers,  who,  (tlic  jmrty  alreaxl/ 
Ktated  to  have  heen  expectxid),  h.ad  at  len!/;tli  arriv«)d. 

"Two  desperate  fellows  in  th<-ir  way,  f  can  assure  you."  replied  Middld- 
morc,  more  amnscMl  than  aniioye.l  at  the  adventure.  '■  Ensij^n  I'aul.  Fjiniliufl. 
Theophilus,  Arnold!,  is,  I  calculate,  a  pretty  considerahle  stron};  \u:tijce  iv>r% 
of  fellow  ;  and,  to  judj^e  hy  Henry  Grantham's  half  stranc^led  look,  his  conk 
panion  lacks  not  the  sanio  qualities.  Why,  iu  the  name  of  all  that  \n  preciout 
would  vou  persist  in  poking  your  nose  into  the  rascal's  skins,  GrantharoY 
The  liflians  had  nearly  made  dried  skins  of  ours." 


M 


MATILDA     MONTOOn ERIC  ;     OR, 


"  Ha !  is  that  tho  scoundrel  wlio  calls  himself  Arnoldi,"  asked  Captain 
Molineu"  ?  "  I  have  heard,"  and  ho  glanced  at  Henry  Granth.am  as  he  spoko^ 
^a  long  story  of  his  villainy  from  his  captor  within  this  very  hour." 

"Which  is  your  apology,  I  suppose,"  said  Middlemore,  "for  having  so  far 
exceeded  your  appointment,  gentlemen." 

"  It  certainly  is,"  said  Lieutenant  Villiers,  "  but  tho  fault  was  not  ours. 
We  chanced  to  fall  in  with  Gerald  Grantham,  on  our  way  here,  and  that  ho 
detained  us,  should  be  a  matter  of  congratulation  to  us  all." 

"  Congratulation  !"  exclaimed  Middlemore,  dropping  his  bandage,  and  lifting 
his  eyes  with  an  expression  of  indescribable  humor,  "  Am  I  then  to  think  it 
matter  of  congratulation  that,  as  an  mnocent  second,  I  should  have  had  » 
cursed  piece  of  lead  stuck  in  my  flesh  to  spoil  my  next  winter's  dancing. 
And  Grantham  is  to  think  it  matter  of  congratulation  that,  instead  of  putting 
a  bullet  through  you,  Molineux,  (as  I  intend  he  shall  when  I  have  linished 
dressing  this  confounded  leg,  if  his  nerves  are  not  too  much  shaken),  he  should 
have  felt  the  gripe  of  that  monster  Desborough  around  his  throat,  until  his 
eyes  seem  ready  to  start  from  their  sockets,  and  ■  '  his  because  you  did  not 
choose  to  be  in  time.  Upon  my  word,  I  do  not  k  .f  that  it  is  quite  meet  that 
wc  should  meet  j'ou.     What  say  you,  Grantham  t' 

"I  hope,''  said  Captain  Molineux  with  a  smile,  "  yt)ur  principal  will  think 
US  you  do,  for  should  he  decline  the  meeting,  nothing  will  afford  more  satis- 
faction to  myself." 

Both  Grantham  and  Middlemore  looked  their  utter  surprise  at  the  language 
thus  used  by  Captain  Molineux,  but  neither  of  them  spoke. 

"  If  an  apology  the  most  ample  for  my  observation  of  yesterday,"  continued 
that  officer,  "an  apology  founded  on  my  perfect  convi'ction  of  error,  (that  con- 
viction produced  by  certain  recent  explanations  with  your  brother),  can  satisfy 
3''ou,  Mr.  Granthafti,  most  sincerely  do  I  make  it.  If,  however,  you  hold  me 
to  luy  pledge,  here  am  I  of  course  to  redeem  it.  I  may  as  well  observe  to  you 
in  the  presence  of  our  friends,  (and  Villiers  can  coroborate  my  statement), 
that  my  original  intention  on  leaving  your  brother,  was  to  receive  your  firo 
mnd  then  tender  my  apology,  but,  under  the  circumstances  in  which  both  you 
and  Middlemore  aiv"  placed  at  this  moment,  the  idea  would  be  altogether 
absurd.  Again  I  tender  my  apology,  which  it  will  be  a  satisfaction  to  me  to 
repeat  this  day  at  the  mes,-^  table,  where  I  yesterday  refused  to  drink  your 
brother's  health.  All  I  can  add  is  that  when  you  have  heard  the  motives  for 
my  conduct,  and  learnt  to  what  extent  T  have  been  deceived,  you  will  readily 
admit  that  I  acted  not  altogether  from  ''aprice." 

"Your  apology  I  accept.  Captain  Molii^oux."  said  Grantham,  coming  for- 
ward and  unhesitatingly  offering  his  hand.  'If  you  have  seen  my  brotlier,  I 
am  satisfied.     Let  there  be  no  further  question  oi;  the  suliject." 

'•  So  then  I  am  to  be  the  only  bullcted  man  on  tiiis  occasion,"  interrupted 
Middlemore,  with  ludici-ous  patlios — "'  the  only  poor  devil  who  is  to  be  made 
to  remember  Hartley's  point  for  ever.  But  no  matter.  I  am  not  the  first  in- 
stance of  a  second  being  shot,  throngh  the  awkward  bungling  of  his  principal, 
and  certainly  Grantham  you  were  in  every  sense  the  principal  in  tliis  affair, 
for  li3(l  you  taken  my  advice  you  would  liavc  let  the  fellows  go  to  the  devil 
their  own  way." 

"  What !  knowing,  as  I  di<l,  that  the  traitor  Oesburongh  had  concealeil  in 
his  canoe  a  prisoner  on  parole — nay.  Worse,  a  deserter  from  our  service — witU 
a  view  of  conveying  him  out  of  the  country." 

"  How  did  you  know  it." 

"  Because  I  at  once  recognised  him,  through  the  disguise  in  which  he  left 
the  hut.  for  what  he  was.  That  discovery  made,  there  remained  but  on« 
course  to  pursue." 

'•  Ah  !  and  coarse  work  you  made  of  it.  with  a  vengeance,"  said  Middlemore, 
"  first  stiirted  him  up  like  a  fox  from  his  cover,  got  the  mark  of  his  ',eeth,  and 
then  suffered  him  to  escape." 


d  Oap(.ain 
^  he  spoka 

ving  so  far 

s  not  ours, 
nd  that  ho 

and  liftinf» 
to  think  it 
lave  had  a 
s  dancing. 

of  putting 
'P  linished 

he  should 
t,  until  hi.s 
ou  did  not 
!  meet  that 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFII.  LED. 


65 


will  think 
nore  satis- 


e  language 


continued 
(that  con- 
can  satisfy 
>u  hold  me 
;rve  to  you 
tatemcnt), 
e  your  firo 
h  hoth  you 
altogether 
1  to  me  to 
irink  your 
notives  for 
rill  readily 

oming  for- 
brotlier,  I 

nterrupted 
0  be  made 
he  first  in- 
5  principal, 
tiiis  aflair, 
)  the  devil 

ncoaled  in 
nee — with 


lich  he  left 
d  but  0D« 

iddlomoro, 
'.eeth,  and 


"Ts  th^re  no  chance  of  following — no  means  of  overtaking  them?"  said 
Captain  Mohneux — '•  No,  by  Heaven,  as  he  u^liinocd  his  eye  from  right  to  left, 
not  a  single  canoe  to  be  seen  an3'^where  along  the  shore." 

"  Following  !"  echoed  Middlcniore;  •'  faith  the  scoimdrcls  would  desire  no- 
thing better;  if  two  of  us  had  such  indifferent  piny  with  them  on  terra  flrma, 
you  may  rely  upon  it  that  double  the  number  would  have  no  better  chanco 
in  one  of  these  rickety  canoes.  See  there  how  the  rascals  lie  to  within  half 
musket  shot,  apparently  hailing  us." 

Middlemore  was  right.  Dosborough  had  risen  in  the  stern  of  the  canoo, 
and  now,  stretched  to  his  full  height,  called  leisurely,  through  his  closed 
hands,  on  the  name  of  Ilcnry  Grantham.  AVhen  he  observed  the  attention 
of  that  officer  had,  in  common  with  that  of  his  companions,  been  arrested,  ho 
proceeded  at  the  full  extent  of  his  lungs. 

"I  reckon,  young  man,  as  how  I  shall  pay  you  out  for  this,  and  drot  my 
fckin,  if  I  once  twists  my  fingers  round  your  neck  again,  if  anything  on  thin 
side  hell  shall  make  me  quit  it.  afore  you  squeaks  your  last  squeak.  You'vo 
druv  me  from  my  home,  and  I'll  have  your  curst  blood  for  it  yet.  I'll  .sarvo 
you,  as  I  sarved  your  old  father.  You  got  my  small  bore.  I  expect,  and  if  it.*? 
any  good  to  you  to  know  that  one  of  its  nirqeties  to  the  pound  sent  the  old 
ra.scal  to  the  devil — why  then  you  have^  from  Jeremiah  Desborough's  own 
lips,  and  be  d — d  to  you." 

And,  with  this  horrible  admission,  the  settler  again  .seated  himself  in  tho 
stern  of  his  canoe,  and  making  good  use  of  his  paddle  soon  scudded  away  until 
his  little  vessel  appeared  but  as  a  speck  on  the  lake. 

Henry  Grantham  was  petrified  with  astonishment  and  dismay  at  a  decla- 
ration, the  full  elucidation  of  which  we  ttuist  reserve  for  a  future  opportunity. 
The  daring  confession  rang  in  his  ears  long  after  the  voice  had  ceased,  and  it 
was  not  until  a  light  vehicle  had  been  brought  for  Middlemore  from  Simon's 
farm,  that  he  could  be  induced  to  quit  the  shore,  where  he  still  linirered,  as  if 
in  expectation  of  the  return  of  the  avowed  vmrderer  of  his  Father. 


•    •  >       .   '  ■  CHAPTER  IX.  -;   ■ 

At  the  especial  invitation  of  Captain  Molincux,  Gerald  Grantham  dined  at 
vhe  garrison  mess,  on  the  evening  of  the  day  when  tlio  circumstances  detailed 
ill  our  last  chapter  took  place.  During  dinner  the  extraordinary  adventuro 
of  the  morning  formed  the  chief  topic  of  conversation,  for  it  had  become  ono 
of  general  interest,  not  only  throughout  the  military  circles,  but  in  the  town 
of  Amherstburgh  itself  in  which  the  father  of  the  Granthams  had  been  held 
in  .an  esteem  .amounting  almost  to  veneration.  Horrible  as  had  been  the  an- 
nouncement made  by  tlio  detected  and  discomfited  scttlev  to  him  who  now, 
for  the  first  time,  learnt  that  his  parent  had  tallen  a  victim  to  ruHian  vindic- 
tivcncss,  too  many  years  had  elapsed  since  that  event,  to  produce;  more  than 
the  ordinary  emotion  wh'ch  might  be  supposed  to  be  awakened  by  a  know- 
ledge rather  of  the  manner  than  the  fact  of  Ids  death.  Whatever  therefore 
might  have  been  tho  pain  inflictixl  on  the  hearts  of  the  brothers,  by  this  cruel 
re-opening  of  a  partially  closed  wound,  there  was  no  other  evidence  of  suffer- 
ing than  the  suddenly  compressed  lip  and  glistening  eye,  whenever  allusion 
was  made  to  the  villauiilHth  whom  each  felt  ho  had  a  fearful  .account  to  .settle. 

Much  indeed  of  the  imorest  of  the  hour  was  derive<l  from  the  animated  ac- 
f.ount,  given  b}'  Gerald,  of  the  circumstances  which  had  led  to  his  lying  in 
ambuscade  for  the  American  on  the  preceding  dav  ;  and  as  his  narrative  em- 
braces not  only  the  reasons  for  Captain  Molineux  s  strange  conduct,  but  other 
hithtto  unerrplained  facl.s,  we  cannot  do  better  than  follow  him  in  his  detail : 

"I  liiink  it  must  have  been  about  half  past  eleven  o'clock,  on  the  night 
preceding  the  capture,"  commenced  Gerald,  '"  that   as  my  gun-boat  wan  u( 


66 


MATILDA     MONTOOHEKIE;    Oit, 


anchor  close  under  the  Ainericnn  shore,  at  rather  more  than  lialf  a  mile  below 
the  farther  extremity  of  Hois  IJlanc.  my  fuillifiil  old  Sainho  silently  approachcil 
me.  while  I  lay  wrapped  in  my  wateh-cloak  on  deck,  oaknilatint;  the  ehanee.s 
of  falliii!»  in  with  some  spirited  l.ark  of  the  enemy  whicli  would  aflbrd  me  an 
opi)ortunity  of  provino;  tjie  mettle  of  my  crew. 

"'j\fassa  (Jeral,'  he  said,  in  a  mysteriotis  whisper — for  old  age  and  long 
Morv-iees  in  my  family  have  j^iven  him  privilejjes  whi(!h  I  have  neither  the 
power  nor  the  inclination  to  check — •  Massa  Geral.'  pullinn;  mc  by  the  collar, 
'  I  dam  il»  he  no  p;o  sleep  when  him  ou<;ht  to  hah  all  him  eyes  about  him— 
him  pretty  fi'llow  to  keep  watch  when  Yankee  pass  him  in  o  channel.' 

'' '  A  Yankee  pass  mo  in  the  channel  !'  "  I  wonld  have  exclaimed  aloud, 
startinj?  to  n»y  feet  with  surprise ;  but  Sambo,  with  read)'  thouj>;ht,  put  his 
hand  upon  my  mouth,  in  time  to  prevent  more  than  the  first  word  from  beinj,* 
uttftod. 

'"  Hush  I  datn  him,  jMassa  Gcral.  ib  you  make  a  noise,  you  no  catch  him.' 

"'What  do  you  mean,  then — what  have  you  seen?'  I  asked,  in  the  saote 
low  whisper,  the  policy  of  wiiich  his  action  had  enjoined  on  me. 

'" '  r.ookee  dare.  Massa  rjeral,  lookee  dare  !' 

"  FoUowiufj;  the  direction  in  which  he  pointed,  I  now  saw,  bat  \cry  indis- 
tinctly, a  canoe  in  which  was  a  solitju-y  individual  stealing  across  the  lake  to 
the  impulsion  of  an  apparently  mullled  paddle;  for  her  course,  notwithstand- 
Jnfl;  the  stillness  of  the  night,  was  utterly  noiseless.  The  moon,  which  is  in 
her  fu'st  (piarter,  had  long  since  disappeared  ;  yet  the  heavens,  although  not 
f  jrticularly  bright,  were  sullicientl}'-  dotted  with  stars  to  enable  me,  with  the 
liidofanight  telescope,  to  discover  that  the  figure,  which  guided  the  cau- 
%Jously  moving  bark,  had  nothing  Indian  in  its  outline.  The  crew  of  the  gun- 
boat (the  watch  only  excepted)  had  long  since  turned  in  ;  and  even  the  latter 
iiiy  reposing  on  the  forecastle,  the  sentinels  only  keeping  the  ordinary  look- 
out. So  closely,  moreover,  did  wo  lay  in  shore,  that  but  for  the  caution  of 
ihe  paddler,  it  might  have  been  assumed  she  was  too  nearly  identified  with  the 
dark  forest  against  which  her  hull  and  spars  reposed,  to  be  visible.  Curi- 
ous to  ascertain  her  object,  I  watched  the  canoe  in  silence,  as,  whether  acci- 
dentally or  with  design,  I  know  not,  she  made  the  half  circuit  of  the  gun-boat 
and  then  bore  away  in  a  direct  liixe  for  the  Canadian  shore.  A  suspicion  of 
tlie  truth  now  Hashed  across  my  mind,  and  I  resolved  without  delay  to  sat- 
isfy myself.  My  iirst  care  was  to  hasten  to  the  forecastle,  and  enjoin  on  the 
fftntinels.  who  1  feared  might  sec  and  hail  the  stranger,  the  strictest  silence. 
Then  desiring  Sambo  to  prepare  the  light  boat,  which  I  dare  say  most  of  you 
liavo  remarked  to  form  a  part  of  my  Tiillipulian  command,  I  proceeded  to  arm 
uiy.self  with  ciitLass  and  i)istols.  Thus  equipped,  I  sprang  lightly  in  ;  and 
having  again  caught  sight  of  the  chase,  on  which  I  had  moreover  directed  one 
of  the  sentinels  to  keep  a  steady  eye  as  long  as  she  was  in  sight,  desired  Sambo 
to  steer  as  noiselessly  as  possible  in  pursuit.  For  some  time  we  kept  the 
Granger  in  view,  but  whether,  owing  to  his  superior  paddling  or  lighter 
weight,  we  eventnalh'  lost  .sight  of  him.  The  suspicion  which  liad  at  first  in- 
duced my  following,  however,  served  as  a  clue  to  guide  me  in  the  direction 
I  should  take.  1  was  aware  that  the  .scoundrel  Desborough  was  an  object  of 
distrust — I  knew  that  the  strictness  of  my  father,  during  his  magistrac}',  in 
eompelling  him  to  choose  between  taking  the  oaths  of  allegiance  and  quitting 
the  country,  had  inspired  him  with  deep  hatre<l  to  hiip«eif  and  disaffection  to 
the  Covernment ;  and  1  felt  that  if  the  spirit  of  his  vongeance  had  not  earlier 
developed  itself  it  was  .solely  because  the  opporlunil^nd  the  power  had  hith- 
erto been  wanting;  but  that  now,  when  hostiliticsWetwecn  his  natural  and 
adopted  countries  had  been  declared,  there  would  be  ample  room  for  the  ex- 
ercise of  his  treason.  It  was  the  strong  assurance  I  felt  that  he  was  the  sol- 
itary voyager  on  the  face  of  the  waters,  which  induc(!d  me  to  pursue  him  ;  for 
1  hud  a  presentiment  that,  could  I  but  track  him  in  lii.s  course.  I  should  eli«- 
cover  .some  proof  of  his  guilt,  which  would  sqfTicc  to  rid  us  for  ever  of  the 
presence  of  so  ^laugerous  a  subject.     The  adventure  was  moreover  one  that 


pie; 

l)oa 
loa\ 
<ur 

con 

wh 

rouf 

Bam 

one- 

a 

disi 


ofi 


THE     FROPIIECY     FULFILLED. 


t 

&'3 


niilo  1h;1ow 
ipproachctt 
he  chancof» 
lord  inc  an 

and  long 
ii'ithor  tlie 

the  collar, 
out  him — 

nod  aloud, 

ht,  ])ut  his 
Voni  beinj,* 

atch  him.' 
the  saaic 


,'Qry  indis- 
hp  lake  to 
ivithstand- 
•hich  is  in 
haugh  not 
!,  with  the 
the  cau- 
f  the  gun- 
the  latter 
lary  look- 
laution  of 
Iwith  th© 
e.     Curi- 
thcr  acci- 
gun-boat 
^picion  of 
ay  to  sat- 
in on  tho 
st  silence, 
st  of  you 
1  to  arm 
in  ;  and 
(•fed  one 
.Sambo 
<cpt  tho 
lighter 
first  in- 
direction 
ohjuct  of 
U;\cy.  in 
(uitting 
ction  to 
>t  earlier 
ad  iiith- 
r.ral  and 
•  the  cx« 
tho  sol- 
im ;  for 
)uld  di8- 
r  of  tho 
nc  liiat 


I'd 


pleaKod  me,  althongli  perhaps  T  was  not  stricily  justified  in  quitting  my  gun 
boat,  esiiecially  as  in  the  ingency  of  the  niDinent,  I  had  not  even  thought  of 
leaving  orders  with  niy  boatswain,  in  the  event  of  anything  unexpected  oo^ 
( uiTing  during  my  absence.    The  sentinels  alone  were  aware  of  my  departure. 

"  'J'hc  course  we  pursued  was  in  the  direction  of  Hartley's  point,  and  so 
correct  had  been  tho  steering  and  paddling  of  the  ke(!n-sighted  nei,; o,  that 
when  we  made  the  b"ach,  wo  found  ourselves  immediately  opposite  to  Desbo- 
rougb's  hut. 

'• '  How  is  this,  Sambo  ?'  T  asked  in  a  low  tone,  as  our  canoe  grated  on  tho 
sand  within  a  few  paces  of  several  others  that  lay  where  I  expected  to  find  but 
one — 'are  all  these  l)esl)orough's?' 

"  •  No.  Massa  (Jeral — 'less  hiui  teal  bim  todors,  Desborough  only  got  one— 
disa  public  landin'  place.' 

'•' (/an  you  tell  which  is  his?'  I  inquired.  , 

"  '  'I'o  be  sure — dis  a  one,'  and  be  ]»ointcd  to  one  nearly  twice  the  dimensions 
of  its  fellows. 

'•  •  Has  it  been  lately  used.  Sambo — can  you  tell  T         . 

"  '  I  soon  lind  out,  ^fassa  Geral.' 

"  His  device  was  the  most  simple  and  natural  in  the  world,  and  yet  I  confess 
it  was  one  which  I  never  should  have  dreamt  of.  Stooping  on  tlie  sands,  ho 
passed  his  hand  under  the  bottom  of  tlie  canoe,  ami  then  whispered  :" 

" '  Him  not  touch  a  water  to-night,  ^lassa  Geral — him  dry  as  a  cliip.' 

"  Here  I  was  at  fault.  I  began  to  apprehend  that  I  had  been  bailled  in  my 
pursuit,  and  deceived  in  my  supposition.  I  knew  that  Desborough  had  had 
for  years,  one  large  cance  offly  in  bis  possession,  and  it  was  evident  that  this 
had  not  been  used  for  tho  night.  I  was  about  to  order  Sambo  to  shove  off 
again,  when  it  suddenly  occurred  to  me.  thsit,  instead  of  returning  from  n 
visit,  the  suspected  settler  might  have  received  a  visiter,  and  I  accordingly 
desired  my  JiUes  Achates  to  submit  the  remainder  of  the  canoes  to  the  samo 
inspection. 

"  After  having  passed  his  hand  inelTcctually  over  several,  he  at  length 
announced,  as  he  stooped  over  one  whicli  I  recognised,  from  a  peculiarr  elevation 
of  tlie  bow  and  stern,  to  be  same  we  had  passed.  j 

"  'Dis  a  one  all  drippin'  wet,  Massa  Geral.  May  I  nebber  see  a  Hebben  ib 
ho  not  a  same  we  follow.' 

"  A  low  tapping  against  the  door  of  the  hut.  which,  although  evidently  in- 
tended to  be  subdueii,  was  now,  in  the  .silence  of  night,  distinctly  audible,  whilo 
our  whispers  on  the  contrary,  mingled  as  they  were  with  the  crisping  .sound 
of  the  waves  rippling  on  the  sands  were,  at  that  distance,  undistinguishable. 
It  was  evident  that  I  had  erred  in  my  original  conjecture.  Had  it  been  Des?- 
borough  liimself,  living  alone  as  he  did,  he  would  not  have  knocked  for  admis- 
sion where  there  was  no  one  to  ailbrd  it,  but  would  have  quietly  let  himself 
in.  It  could  then  be  no  other  than  a  visiter,  perhaps  a  spy  from  the  enetn}'— » 
and  tlie  same  to  whom  we  had  given  chase. 

"  From  the  moment  that  the  tapping  commenced,  Sambo  and  I  stood 
motionless  on  the  shore,  and  without  trusting  our  voices  again,  even  to  a 
whisper.  In  a  little  time  we  hoard  the  door  open,  and  the  low  voice  of  Des- 
borough in  conversation  witli  another.  Presently  tlie  door  was  shut,  and 
soon  afterwards,  through  an  imperfi'Ctlj'  closed  shutter  on  the  only  floor  of  tho 
but,  we  could  perceive  a  streak  of  liglit  relh^cted  on  the  clearing  in  front,  aa 
if  from  a  candle  or  lamp  that  was  stationary. 

••'I  (ink  bim  dam  rascal  dat  man,  Mas^i  Geral,'  at  length  ventured  my 
companion.  '  I  'member  long  time  ago.'  and  be  si-uhed,  '  when  Sambo  no 
l>igger  nor  dat  paddle,  one  berry  much  like  him.  But.  Mas.sa  Geral,  Missis 
always  tell  me  nebber  talk  o'  dat.' 

"  ■  A  villain  he  is,  I  believe.  Sambo,  but  let  us  advance  cautiously  and  dis- 
cover what  be  is  about.' 

*•  We  now  stole  along  the  skirt  of  tlie  forest,  until  we  managed  to  approach 
the  window,  through  'vhi/;h  the  light  was  still  thrown  iii  ouo  long,  fixed,  but 


63 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;     OR, 


Kolitnry  r\y.  Tt  wna  however  impossible  to  see  who  were  within,  fir  altliongh 
llio  voice's  of  nu-n  wvav  (listinjj:uishahlc,  their  forms  were  so  placed  as  not  to 
be  visible  tliroujjh  the  partial  opcnin;<. 

'■The  coiiveisation  had  cviilently  been  f.omc  moments  commenced.  Tho 
first  words  I  lieard  uttered  were  by  Dcsboroug-h. 

'"  A  (^oinir.issary  boat,  and  filled  with  ba<:!;s  of  eoold  eagles,  and  a  fiftieth 
part  oni-'n.  if  wo  ^et  her  dean  slick  throiij^h  to  Detroit.  Wtll-,  drot  mc,  if 
that  ain't  woith  the  trial.     AVhy  didn't  they  try  it  by  land,  boy  V 

'"I  reckon,  father,  that  cock  wouldn't  light.  The  Injuns  are  outlyin' 
every  where  to  cut  olF  our  mails,  and  the  ready  is  too  much  wanted  to  bo 
thiown  aw.'iy.  No,  no  :  the  river  work's  the  safest,  I  take  it,  for  there  they 
little  expect  it  to  corne.' 

'■  The  voice  of  the  last  speaker  excited  in  rao  r  strong  desire  to  see  the  face 
of  Desl)orowfrh's  visitor.  (JnaVde,  where  I  stood,  to  catch  the  slightest  view 
of  either.  I  fancied  that  1  might  be  more  successful  in  rear  of  the  hut.  I 
therefore  moved  forward,  followed  by  Sambo,  but  not  so  cautiously  as  to  pre- 
vent my  feet  from  crushing  a  fragment  of  decayed  wood  that  lay  in  my 
path. 

"A  bustle  within,  and  the  sudden  opening  ot  the  door  announced  that  th« 
noise  had  been  overheard.  I  held  up  my  finger  impressively  to  Sambo,  and  wo 
both  remained  motionless. 

"  '  Who  the  hell's  there  ?'  shouted  De.sborough,  and  the  voice  rang  like  tho 
bhist  of  a  speaking  trumpet  alonnj  the  skirt  of  tiie  forest. 

"  '  Some  raccoon  looking  out  for  Hartley's  chickens,  I  expect,'  said  hi.s 
companion,  after  a  short  pause.  '  There's  nothin'  human,  I  reckon,  to  be  seen 
movin'  at  this  hour  of  the  night.' 

"  '  Who  the  hell's  there  V  repeated  Dcsborongh — still  no  answer. 

"  Again  the  door  was  closed,  and  under  cover  of  tho  slight  noi.se  made  by 
the  settler  in  doing  this,  .and  resuming  his  seat.  Sambo  and  I  accomjjlished 
tho  circuit  of  the  hut.  Here  we  had  an  unobstructed  view  of  the  persons  of 
both.  A  small  .store  room  or  pantry  communicated  with  that  in  which  they 
were  sitting  at  a  table,  on  which  was  a  large  flagon,  wo  knew  to  contain  whis- 
key, and  a  couple  of  japanned  drinking  cups,  from  which,  ever  and  anon,  they 
'  wetted  their  w'histles,'  as  they  termed  it,  and  whettedi  their  di.scourse.  An 
they  sat  each  with  his  back  to  the  inner  wall,  or  more  correctly,  the  logs  of  tho 
hut,  and  facing  the  door  communicating  witli  the  store-room,  left  wide  open, 
and  in  a  dii-ect  lino  with  the  back  window  at  which  we  had  taken  our  stand, 
we  could  distinctly  trace  every  movement  of  their  features,  while,  thrown  into 
the  shade  by  tho  gloom  vrith  which  we  were  enveloped,  we  ran  no  risk  of  de- 
tection ourselves.  It  is  almost  unnecessary  to  observe,  after  what  has  occurred 
this  morning,  that  the  companion  of  Dcsborough  was  no  other  than  the  soi- 
disant  Ensign  Paul  Emilius  Theophilus  Arnoldi  ;  or,  moi-e  properly,  tlie 
scoundrel  son  of  a  yet  more  scoundrel  father.  He  wore  the  dress  in  which 
you  yesterday  beheld  him,  but  beneath  a  Canadian  blanket  coat,  which,  when 
I  first  .saw  him  in  the  hut,  was  buttoned  up  to  the  chin  so  closely  as  to  conceal 
everything  American  about  the  dress. 

■ '  Well  now,  I  reckon  we  must  lay  our  heads  to  do  this  job  ;'  said  tho  son. 


as  he  tossed  off  a  portion  of  the  liquid  he  hud  poured  into  his  can. 
only  that  one  gun-boat  I  expect  in  t'other  channel.' 
'• '  Only  one.  Phil — do  you  know  who  commands  it  V 


■  There', 


*' '  Ono  of  thera  curst  Granthams,  to  be  sure.     I  .say,  old 


boy/  o.nd  \m 
'  I  see  you've 


eye  lighted  up  significantly  is  he  pointed  to  the  opposite  wall 
got  tlie  .small  bore  still.' 

"A  knowing  wink  marked  the  father's  sense  of  the  .illusion.  'The  devil's 
in  it.'  he  rejoined,  '  if  we  can't  come  over  that  smooth-faced  chap  some  how  or 
other.     Did  you  see  anythin'  of  him  as  yoti  come  along  ?' 

"  '  I  reckon  I  did.  Pretty  chick  he  is  to  ei^ploy  for  a  look-out.  Why  T 
paddled  two  or  three  times  round  his  gun-boat  as  it  i.ay  'gin  tho  shore,  without 
•0  much  as  a  single  livin'  soul  bf  i\q  on  deck  to  see  me.' 


ru'  alUio\ij2;h 
cd  as  uol to 

enced.     Tho 

nd  a  fiftieth 

,  drot  luc,  if 

f 

are  outl3in' 

anted  to  bo 

r  there  they 

Roe  the  face 
ightest  view 

the  hut.  I 
ly  as  to  pre- 
t  lay  in  my 

:cd  that  tlio 
inbo,  and  wo 

rang  like  tho 

ct.'  said  liis 
a,  to  be  seen 

!r. 

rise  made  by 
ccomplished 
J  persons  of 
;  which  they 
)ntaia  whis- 
1  anon,  they 
;course.  As 
e  ]o!js  of  tho 
wide  open, 
our  stand, 
thrown  into 
)  rislc  of  de- 
las  occurred 
han  the  soi- 
ropcrly,  tho 
ss  in  which 
^dlich,  when 
s  to  conceal 

aid  the  son, 
'  There's 


)y;'  and  \m 
see  you've 

'  The  devil's 
ome  how  or 

It.     Why  1 

>re,  without 


T  11  t     r  R  O  P  H  E  C  Y     F  U  L  F  I  L  I,  K  D 


50 


"  Tt  is  proverbial."  continued  Grantham.  •'  tliatlis:tcncrs  never  hear  any  jrood 
of  thorn -ielvcs.  I  paid  tlic  common  pfUiilly.  Tint  if  I  continue  1  caluf,  my 
companion  did  not.  Partly  incensed  at  what,  hud  relate('  to  me — but  morfl 
infuriated  at  the  declaration  made  by  the  son.  Uiut  he  had  paddled  ,  evora^ 
times  round  the  gun-boat,  without  a  .soul  being  on  dock  to  .see  him.  he  drew 
near  to  me,  his  white  teeth  displaying  themselves  in  the  gloom,  as  he  wliisper- 
ed,  but  m  a  tone  that  betrayed  extreme  irritation. 

'•'What  a  dam  liar  ra.scal,  Massa  Geral.  IIi;  nobbcr  go  round  :  I  see  bin* 
oomo  a  down  a  ribbcr  long  afore  he  see  a  boat  at  all.' 

•'  '  Hush,  Sambo  !  hush — not  a  word,'  I  returned  in  the  same  low  whisper 
'  The  villains  are  at  some  treason,  and  if  we  stir,  we  shall  lo.se  all  chance  of 
discovering  it.' 

'' '  Mo  no  peak.  Massa  Gcral ;  but  dam  him  lyin'  tcef,'  he  continued  to  mut 
tcr. '  I  wish  I  had  him  board  a  gun-boat.' 

" '  A  dozen    fellers   well   armed    might  take    the  d d  British  crafl,^ 

ob«';rved    Desborough.      '  Ilow  many  men  may  there  bo  aboard  the  Com« 
niissary  V 

'■ '  About  forty,  I  reckon,  under  some  d d  old  rig'lar  major.     I've  got  a 

letter  for  him  hero  to  desire  him  to  come  on.  if  so  be  as  wo  gets  the  craft  out 
of  the  way.' 

'"  Drot  me  if  T  know  a  better  way  than  to  jump  slick  aboard  her,'  returned 
Desborough,  musingly,  '  fort}^  genunie  Kaiutucks  ought  to  swallow  her  up, 
crew  and  all.' 

"  '  I  guess  they  would,'  returned  his  companion,  '  but  they  are  not  Kain- 
tucks,  but  only  rig'lars  ;  and  then  agin  if  they  are  discovered,  one  spry  cannon 
might  .sink  her  ;  and  if  the  eagle.-:  go  to  th'"  bottom  we  shall  lose  our  fiftieth. 
You  don't  reckon  that.' 

" '  AVhat  the  hell's  to  be  done  then  ?'  exclaimed  Desborough,  resorting  to 
his  favorite  oath  when  in  doubt. 

'' '  My  plan's  already  cut  and  dried  by  a  wiser  head  nor  }'Ours  nor  mine,  as 
you  shall  larn  ;  but  first  let  a  feller  wet  his  whistle.'  Here  they  boih  drained 
oil' another  portion  of  the  poison  that  stood  before  them. 

'•  Not  to  tire  you,"  pursued  Grantham,  "  with  a  repetition  of  the  oaths  and 
vulgar  and  inteijectional  chucklings  that  pa.'  sed  between  the  well-a.ssorted  pair 
during  the  disclosure  of  the  plan,  I  will  briefiy  state  that  it  was  one  of  tho 
most  stupid  that  could  have  been  conceived,  and  reflected  but  little  credit  oa 
the  stratagetic  powers  of  whoever  originateil  it. 

"  The  younger  scoundrel,  who  since  his  desertion  from  our  .service,  claims  to 
bo  a  naturalized  citizen  of  the  United  States,  (his  name  of  Desborough  being 
changed  for  that  of  Arnoldi.  and  his  rank  of  full  private  for  that  of  Ensign  of 
Militia.)  had  been  .selected,  from  his  knowledge  of  the  Canadian  shore  and 
his  connexion  with  the  disaffected  .settler,  as  a  proper  person  to  entrust  with  a 
stratagem,  having  for  its  object  the  .safe  convoy  of  a  boat  with  specie,  of  which 
the  American  garrison,  it  appears,  stands  much  in  need.  The  renegade  hiul 
been  instructed  to  see  his  father,  to  whom  he  was  to  promise  a  fiftieth  of  tho 
value  of  the  freight,  provided  he  should  by  any  means  contrive  to  draw  tho 
gun-boat  from  her  station.  The  most  plausible  plan  suggested  was,  that  ho 
should  intimate  to  me  that  a  prize  of  value  was  lying  between  Turkey  Island 
and  our  own  shore,  which  it  required  but  my  sudden  appearance  to  ensure, 
without  even  striking  a  blow.  Here  a  number  of  armed  boats  were  to  bo 
stationed  in  concealment  in  order  to  take  me  at  a  disadvantage,  and  evcti  if  I 
avoided  being  captured,  the  great  aim  would  be  accomplished — namely,  that 
of  getting  me  out  of  the  way  until  the  important  boat  should  have  cleared 
the  channel  running  between  Uois  Blanc  and  the  American  shore,  and  secreted 
herself  m  one  of  the  several  deep  creeks  which  empty  themselves  into  tho 
river.  Here  she  was  to  ha\^e  remained  until  I  had  returned  to  my  station, 
when  her  passage  upward  might  be  pursued,  if  not  without  ob.sorvation.  at 
least  without  risk.  As  Desborough  was  known  to  be  suspected  b}-  us,  it  wa.'4 
further  .suggosCc i  that  he  should  appear  to  have  been  influenced  in  the  infur- 


00 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE ; OR, 


m'lli'on  rnnvoycd  to  mo.  not  by  any  motives  of  patriot'dni.  which  woiW  h*v« 
Ix'cn  in  the  hiphcst  degree  tnisplaccd,  hut  hy  the  mere  principle  of  self-interest. 
He  was  to  reqnircorine  a  pledge  that.otit  of  the  proceeds  of  the  proposed  cap- 
ture a  twentieth  share  should  be  his,  or.  if  I  would  not  undertake  to  guarantee 
this  from  the  Government  or  my  own  authority,  that  I  should  prou)isc  my  own 
eventual  sliarc  should  be  divided  with  hiui.  This  stratagem  successful,  tho 
yoiniger  Desborough  was  to  repair  to  the  boat  which  had  been  lying  concealed 
for  the  last  day  or  two,  a  few  miles  below  me,  with  an  order  for  her  to  mnkb 
the  best  of  her  way  during  tho  night  if  possible.  If  failing  on  the  other  hand. 
,«he  was  to  return  to  the  port  whence  .she  had  sailed,  until  a  more  fitting  oppor- 
tunity should  present  itself. 

"  This,"  continued  Grantham,  after  a  slight  pause,  during  which  the  bottle 
Avas  again  circulated,  '•  was  delightful  intelligence.  Distrustful  as  T  was  of 
Desborough,  I  could  not  have  been  deceived  by  this  advice,  even  had  T  not 
thus  fortunately  become  acquainted  with  the  whole  of  the  design  ;  hut  now 
that  I  knew  my  man,  and  coultl  see  my  way,  I  at  once  rcsolverl  to  appear  the 
dupe  they  proposed  to  make  me.  Specie,  too,  for  the  payment  of  the  garri- 
son !  This  was  no  contemptible  prize  with  which  to  commence  my  career. 
IJcsides,  the  boat  was  well  manned ;  and  although  without  cannon,  still,  in 
point  of  military  equipment,  quite  able  to  cope  with  my  crew,  which  did  not 
s.xceed  thirty  men. 

"  With  your  knowledge  of  Desborough's  character,  it  will  not  surprise  you 
to  learn,  although  I  confess  I  boiled  with  indignation  at  the  moment  to  hear, 
that  the  object  of  the  .scoundrels  vva.s,  with  a  view  to  the  gratification  of  their 
own  jjrivate  vengeance,  not  merely  to  raise  a  doubt  of  my  fidelity.  ':>Mt  to  pro- 
frr  against  me  a  direct  charge  of  treason.  Thus,  in  their  vulgar  language, 
ihoj'  argued.  If  misled  by  tlieir  representations,  I  quitted  my  station  on  tho 
channel,  and  fell  into  the  ambuscade  prepared  for  me  near  Turkey  Island,  I 
raised  a  suspicion  of  the  cause  of  my  absence,  which  might  be  confirmed  by 
an  anonymous  communication  ;  and  if,  on  the  other  hand.  T  escaped  that  am- 
bu.scade,  tlie  suspicion  would  be  even  stronger,  as  care  would  be  taken  to  an- 
nounce to  the  English  garrison  the  fact  of  mv  having  been  bribed  to  leave  the 
channel  IVeo  for  tho  passage  of  a  boat,  filled  with  money  and  necessaries  for 
Detroit.  ISly  return  to  my  post  immediately  afterwards  would  confirm  tho 
assertion ;  and  so  perfectly  had  they,  in  their  wise  conceit,  arranged  their 
plans,  that  r»  paper  was  prepared  by  the  son  and  handed  to  his  father,  for  the 
purpo.so  of  being  droppe<l  in  the  way  of  one  of  the  ofiicers — the  purport  of 
which  was  an  accusation  against  me,  of  holding  a  secret  understanding  with 
the  enemy,  in  proof  whereof  it  was  stated  that  at  an  important  moment,  I 
should  be  found  absciit  from  my  post.  I  think  I  am  correct,  Captain  Moli- 
ncux." 

"  '  Perfectly,'  returned  that  officer — '  .such  indeed  were  the  contents  of  the 
paper  which  I  picked  up  in  my  rounds  about  daylight  yesterday  morning,  and 
which  I  have  only  again  to  express  my  regret  that  I  should  hare  allowed  to 
make  on  me  even  a  momentur}'  impression.  Indeed,  Grantham,  I  am  suro 
you  will  do  me  the  ju.stice  to  believe,  that  until  we  actually  .saw  the  American 
boat  passing,  wliile  you  were  nowhere  to  be  scon,  I  never  for  one  moment 
doubted  its  hieing,  what  it  has  proved  to  be — the  falsest  arid  most  atrocious  of 
calumnies." 

"Your  alter  doubt  was  but  natural,"  replied  the  sailor,  "although  I  confess 
I  could  not  help  wincing  under  the  thought  of  its  being  entertained.  I  know- 
that,  on  my  return,  I  .should  be  enabled  to  explain  everything,  but  yet  felt 
nettled  that  even  my  short  absence  should,  as  I  knew  it  must,  give  rise  to  anr 
strictures  on  my  conduct.  It  was  that  soreness  of  feeling  which  induced  my 
impatient  allusion  to  the  subject,  even  after  my  good  fortune  of  yesterday,  for 
1  at  once  detected  that  the  slanderous  paper  had  been  received  and  coiiimentcd 
on  ;  and  from  the  peculiar  glance.  I  saw  Ilenry  direct  to  ycu,  I  was  at  no  loss 
to  di.scover  into  whoso  hands  it  h.ad  fallen.     But  to  resume. 

"  Their  plan  of  action  being  finally  settled,  tho  traitors  bcg:vn  to  give  indi* 


«i 
til 


in 

w 
PI 


an 

a, 

w; 


ro.ild  have 
;lf-iiitorest.  . 
posed  cnp- 
pnarantce 
^e  my  own 
:cssfvil.  tho 
X  concealed 
3r  to  make 
(her  hand, 
ing  oppor- 

the  bottle 
^  T  was  of 
had  T  not 
;  but  now 
appear  the 
the  garri- 
my  career. 
)n,  still,  in 
ich  did  not 

irprisc  you 
nt  to  hear, 
on  of  their 
•"•it  to  pre- 
Ir.nguagc, 
tion  on  tho 
y  Island,  I' 
ifirmed  by 
1  that  am- 
l:en  to  an- 
}  leave  the 
ssai'ies  for 
mfinn  tho 
ged   their 
er,  for  the 
)nrport  of 
ding  with 
iioment,  I 
tain  Mou- 
nts of  the 
ning,  and 
lowed  to 
am  sure 
American 
moment 
'ocious  of 

I  confess 
I  knew 
yet  felt 
se  to  any 
luced  my 
rday,  for 
tnnientcd 
It  no  losiT 

nvc  indi- 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


61 


aation  of  scpamting — the  one  to  hasten  and  annoinicc  to  the  American  boat 
the  removal  of  all  impe(hM\ent  to  her  passage  upwards — tiie  other  to  my  gun- 
boat, in  order  to  play  oli'  the  falsehood  Juvised  for  the  sucix'.>s  of  their  strata- 
gem. 

"  '  Here's  d;imnati(>n  to  the  curst  race  of  Granthains.'  said  the  son,  as  rais- 
ing his  tall  and  lanky  body,  he  lifted  the  rude  goblet  to  iiis  lips. 

" '  Amen,'  responded  the  fiitlior,  rising  also  and  drinking  to  the  pledge  'and, 
what's  more,  here's  to  the  goold  eagles  that'll  repay  us  for  our  job.  And  now 
Phil,  let's  be  niovin'.' 

"  Tlie  heavy  treatl  of  their  feet  within  the  hut  as  they  tnoved  to  and  fro,  to 
collect  the  several  articles  bulongmg  to  the  equipment  of  Dcsborotigh's  canoe, 
promising  fi.ir  to  cover  the  sound  of  our  footsteps,  I  now  whispered  to  Sambo, 
and  we  hastily  made  goDdour  retreat  to  the  point  where  we  leff  our  .skill".  In 
a  few  minutes,  we  were  again  on  the  lake,  paddling  swiftly  but  cautiously  to- 
wards my  gun-boat.  I  had  instructed  the  .sentinels  not  to  hail  me  on  my  ro- 
turn,  therefore  when  I  gained  the  deck,  it  was  without  challenge  or  observa- 
tion of  any  kind,  which  could  denote  to  those  from  whom  I  hud  so  recently 
parted,  that  any  one  hud  bcon  absent. 

''  Again  I  had  thrown  myself  upon  the  deck,  and  was  ruminating  on  the 
singular  events  of  the  evening,  associating  the  rich  prize,  which  I  now  already 
looked  upon  as  my  own.  with  the  rascality  of  those  who,  imagining  me  to  be 
their  dujie,  were  .so  soon  to  become  mine;  and  moreover  meditating  such 
measures  as  I  fancied  most  likelj'^  to  secure  a  result  so  opposite  to  that  which 
they  anticipated,  when  the  loud  quick  sharp  hail  of  the  .sentinels  announced 
that  a  craft  of  .some  kind  was  approaching. 

" '  Want  to  «ee  the  oliicer.'  shouterl  a  voice  which  I  knew  to  bo  Dcsbi-»- 
rough's.     '  Somethin'  very  partick'lar  to  tell  him,  I  guess.' 

"  Permission  having  been  gianted,  the  canoe  came  rapidlj'  up  to  the  side, 
and  in  the  next  minute,  the  tall  heavy  form  of  the  settler  stood  distinctly  de- 
luied  against  the  lake,  as  he  stepped  on  tho  gun-wale  of  the  boat. 

"  It  must  be  needless  here  to  repeat  the  information  of  which  ho  was  tho 
bearer,"  pursued  Grantham.  Its  purport  was,  in  every  sense,  what  I  had  s» 
recently  overheard  in  the  hut. 

"  '  And  how  am  I  to  know  that  this  talc  of  yours  is  correct,'  I  demanded 
when  he  had  concluded,  yet  in  a  tone  that  .'^,eemed  to  admit,  I  was  as  much 
his  dupe  as  he  could  reasonably  desire.  '  You  are  aware.  Desborough.  that 
your  character  for  loyalty  doos  not  stand  very  high,  and  this  may  prove  bt:t 
a  trick  to  get  mc  out  of  the  way.  What  good  motive  can  you  give  for  my  be- 
lieving you  V 

'"  The  best  T  calculate  as  can  be,'  he  unhesitatingly  answered,  'and  that  is 
my  own  interest.  I  don't  make  no  boast  of  my  loyalty,  as  you  sa\  to  bo 
Bure,  Mr.  Grantham,  but  I've  an  eye  like  a  hawk  ibr  the  rhino,  and  I  han't 
giv'  you  this  piece  of  news  without  cxpectin'  a  promise  that  I  shall  git  a  purty 
considerable  sum  in  eagles,  if  so  be  as  you  succeeds  in  wallopin'  the  prize.' 

" '  Walloping — what  do  you  call  walloping,  man  V 

" '  \Vhat  do  I  call  wallopin'  i  why  lickmg  her  slick  and  clean  out,  and  gel- 
tin'  hold  of  the  dust  to  be  sure.' 

"  I  could  have  knocked  the  scoundrel  to  the  deck,  for  the  familiarity  of  the 
grin  which  accompanied  his  reply,  and  as  for  Sambo,  I  had  more  than  once  to 
look  him  peremptorily  into  patience. 

'■  I  knew  from  what  ha'l  passed  between  father  and  son,  that,  until  the  for- 
mer had  communicated  with,  and  impressed  a  conviction  of  the  accuracy  of 
his  report,  upon  me,  nothing  was  to  be  attempted  by  the  boat,  the  capture  of 
vthich  was  now,  for  a  variety  of  reasons,  an  object  of  weighty  consiiieration. 
'  Whatever  violence  I  ilid  to  myself  therefore,  in  abstaining  from  a  castigation 
of  the  traitor,  1  felt  that  I  could  not  hope  for  success,  unless,  by  appearing  im- 
plicitly to  believe  all  he  had  stated.  I  thus  set  suspicion  at  rest. 

'•'A  more  satisfactor;.' motive  for  your  information  you  could  not  have  given 
tne,  Desborough,'  1  at  length  replied,  with  a  sarcasm  which  was  bcwevcr  ic-sJ 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIK:     OR, 


upon  hiin,  'and  T  certainly  Jo  you  the  justice  to  believe  that  to  the  fielf-intcr- 
est  you  have  avowed,  wo  shall  be  imiehtod  for  the  caj)turc  of  the  prize  in 
question.     She  lies,  you  say,  between  Turkey  Island  and  our  own  .shores.' 

•''I  ^uoss  \s  how  she  does,'  replied  the  .settler,  with  an  eaprerness  that 
betrayed  his  conviction  tliat  the  bait  had  taken;  '  i)ut  Mr.  Grantham.' — and 
1  could  detect  a  lurkiu:^  sneer,  '  I  expect  at  least  that  when  you  have  lick'd 
the  prize  you  will  make  my  loyalty  stand  a  little  hi}>;her  than  it  seems  to  bo 
at  tliis  moment,  for  I  {ruess.  puttin'  tho  dollars  out  of  the  question,  it's  aright 
loyal  act  1  am  f!;uilty  of  now.' 

■''You  may  rely  upon  it.  Desborouph,  you  shall  have  all  the  credit  you  do- 
serve  for  your  conduct  on  the  occasion — that  it  shall  be  faithfully  reported  on 
my  return,  you  may  take  for  ,a;ranted,'  Here  I  summoned  all  hands  up  to 
weif^h  anchor  and  make  sail  for  Turkey  Island.  '  Now  then,  De.sboroufih, 
imless  you  wish  to  be  a  shaier  in  our  enterpri.se,  the  sooner  yo  <■  leave  us  the 
better,  for  we  shall  be  ofl' immediately.' 

"In  obedience  to  tny  order,  all  hands  were  speedily  upon  deck,  and  bu.sied 
in  earnest  jtreparation.  In  pleasinj!;  assurance  that  I  was  as  completely  his 
dupe  as  could  lie  desired,  tlie  villain  had  now  the  audacity  to  demand  from  mo 
a  written  promise  that,  in  consideration  of  the  information  given,  five  hundred 
dollars  should  be  paid  to  him  on  the  disposal  of  tho  prize.  This  demand 
(aware  as  ho  was — or  rather  .as  he  purposed — that  I  \ms  to  play  the  part  of 
the  captured  instead  of  that  of  the  captor),  was  intended  to  lull  me  mto  even 
greater  reli;\nce  on  his  veracity.  I  had  diillculty  in  restraining  my  indigna- 
tion, for  I  felt  that  tho  fellow  was  laughing  at  me  in  his  sleeve  ;  however,  tho 
rellection  that,  in  less  than  twenty-four  hours,  the  tables  would  be  turned 
upon  him,  operated  as  a  check  upon  my  feelings,  and  I  said  with  u  hurried 
voice  and  air : 

"  '  Inipossible,  Desborough,  I  have  no  time  now  to  give  the  paper,  for  as  you 
perceive  we  are  getting  mider  way — I  however.  rej)eat  to  you  )ny  j)romise, 
that  if  your  claims  are  not  attended  to  elsewhere,  you  shall  have  my  .share  of 
the  prolits,  if  I  take  this  prize  within  tho  next  eight  and  forty  hours  within 
the  boundary  of  Turkey  Island.     Will  that  content  you  ?' 

'"I  expect  as  how  it  must,'  rctiu-ned  the  secretly  delighted,  yet  seemingly 
disappointed  settler,  as  he  now  prejjared  to  recross  the  gun-wale  into  this 
canoe ;  '  but  I  guess,  Mr.  Grantham,  3'ou  might  at  least  advance  a  feller  a 
little  money  out  of  hand,  on  the  strength  of  the  prize.  Jist  say  twenty  dol- 
lars.' 

"  •  No,  Desborough,  not  one.  When  the  Turkey  Island  prize  is  mine, 
then  if  the  (lovernmont  refuse  to  confirm  yoin*  claims,  we  will  share  equallj' ; 
but  as  I  said  before,  I  must  first  capture  her,  before  I  consent  to  part  with  a 
shilling.' 

'"  'Well  then.  T  guess  I  must  w.ait,'  and  the  scoundrel  confidently  believing 
th.at  he  had  gulled  me  to  his  heart's  content,  stepped  b.oavily  into  his  canoe, 
which  be  directed  along  the  lake  shoj-e,  while  we  with  willing  sails,  glided  up 
the  channel  and  speedily  lost  him  from  our  view." 

•'  A  ])erfect  adventure,  upon  my  word  !"  interrupted  Do  Courcy.    '-'■    "' 

"  What  a  bold  and  deliberate  scoundrel !"  a<ldod  Captain  Granville.  "  I  con- 

^less,  Crantham,  I  cannot  but  admire  the  coolness  and  self-possession  you 

evmced  on  this  occasion.     Had  I  been  there  in  your  stead,  I  should  have  tied 

the  rascal  up,  given  him  a  dozen  or  two  on  the  spot,  and  then  tumbled  him 

head-foremost  into  the  lake." 

'•  The  remainder  is  soon  told."  continued  Gerald.  "  On  parting  from  Des- 
horoug.  I  continued  my  cour.se  directly  up  the  channel,  with  a  view  of  gaining 
a  point,  where  unseen  myself,  1  could  observe  the  movements  of  the  Atneri- 
can  boat,  which,  from  all  I  had  heard,  T  fully  expected  woukl  attempt  the 
passage  in  the  course  of  the  following  day.  ^ly  pei'fect  knowledge  of  tho 
country  suggested  to  me,  as  the  safest  and  most  secure  hiding  place,  the  creek 
whence  you  saw  me  issue  at  a  moment  when  it  was  supposed  the  American 
ha'J  altogether  escaped.     The  chief  object  of  the  enemy  was  evidently  to  geJ 


le  Kulf-intcr- 
tlic  prize  in 

shores.' 
ernc'ss  that 
ham,' — and 

liavo  lick'd 
seems  to  bo 
I,  it's  a  right 

edit  yon  do- 
roportcd  on 
liiinds  up  to 
Desboroufili, 
leave  us  the 

,  and  busied 
iiplotely  liis 
and  from  mo 
rive  lumdred 
.'his  demand 
'  the  part  of 
ine  mto  even 
my  indijrna- 
lowever,  the 
d  be  turned 
th  a  hurried 

cr,  for  as  you 
)ny  promise, 
my  share  of 
hours  within 

et  secmiuf^ly 

lie  into  this 

ce  a  feller  a 

twenty  dol- 

ri/.c  is  mine, 

ire  equally ; 

}  part  with  a 

tly  believing 
;o  his  canoe, 
ils,  glided  up 


fillc.  "  I  con- 
ssossion  you 
iild  have  tied 
tumbled  him 

nn;  fi'om  Des- 
!W  of  fraining 
)r  the  Atrieri- 
attcmpt  t'ne 
.vledge  of  the 
lice,  the  creek 
the  American 
idcntly  to  gu» 


TIIR     PROrilKCY     FULFILLS  0. 


03 


me  out  of  the  channel.  That  free,  it  was  of  minor  importance  whet^  or  I  fell 
into  the  ambu'cudu  or  not.  so  that  the  important  boat  could  effect  the  passage 
unobserved,  or  at  least  in  safety.  If  my  frun-buat  should  be  seen  rctuniin:^ 
unharmed  from  Turke}'  Tshind,  the  American  was  to  run  into  the  first  creek 
iilonjr  the  shore,  which  she  had  orders  to  huj;  unlil  1  had  passed,  and  not  until 
I  had  af/jaiii  resinned  my  station  in  the  channel,  was  she  to  renew  her  coiirso 
upwards  to  Detroit,  which  jwst  it  was  assumed  she  would  then  gain  without 
dilHculty." 

'•It  was  scarcely  yet  day,"  continiieil  Grantham,  "  when  T  reached  and  ran 
into  the  creek  of  which  I  have  just  spoken,  and  which,  owing  to  the  narrow- 
ness of  the  stream  and  consequent  <lillicuity  of  waring:,  I  was  oblif^ed  to  enter 
storn-foreuiost.  That  no  time  mijiht  bo  lost  in  .cettinp;  her  out  at  the  proper 
moment,  I,  instead  of  dnvppiii!;  her  anchor,  made  the  pun-boat  fast  to  a  tree ; 
and.  desiring  the  men,  with  the  exception  of  the  watch,  to  take  their  rest  as 
usual,  lay  quietly  awaiting  the  advance  of  the  enemy. 

The  gim  lircd  from  the  lower  ])attery  on  the  island,  was  the  first  intimation 
we  had  o^the  approacli  of  the  prize  wliich  I  had  given  my  gallant  fellows  to 
understand  was  in  reserve  for  us ;  and  presently  afterwards  Sambo,  whom  I 
h,ad  dispiitchi.'d  on  the  look  out.  appeared  on  the  bank,  stating  that  a  largo 
boat,  whi<'h  had  been  fired  at  inetlectually,  was  making  the  greatest  exertions 
to  clear  the  channel.  A  .second  .shot,  discharged  from  a  nearer  point,  soon 
after  announced  that  the  boat  h.ad  gained  the  head  of  the  ishuid,  and  might 
therefore  be  shortly  cxpectcii.  In  the  impatience  of  my  curiosity  T  sprang  to 
tiio  shore;,  took  the  teIescoi)e  out  of  the  hands  of  Sambo,  and  hastened  to 
climb  the  tree  from  which  he  had  so  recently  descended.  I  now  distinctly 
saw  the  boat,  and,  availing  herself  of  the  rising  and  partial  breeze,  .she  steered 
more  into  the  centre  of  the  stream  ;  and  I  thought  I  could  observe  marks  of 
confusion  and  impatience  among  the  groujis  in  front  of  the  fort,  whom  1  had 
justi)'  imagined  to  have  been  a.s.sembled  there  to  witness  the  arrival  of  the 
ranoes  we  had  .seen  descending  the  river  long  before  the  first  kuu  was  fired." 

'•  JJut  the  chase,  and  the  firing  after  you  doubled  the  point  7"  inquired  Cap- 
tain Granville.     '•  We  saw  nothing  of  this." 

"  The  American,  plying  his  oars  with  vigor,  gave  us  work  enough,"  answer- 
ed tlie  young  sailor,  and  had  made  considerable  way  up  the  creek,  before  wo 
came  up  with  liiin.  An  attempt  was  then  made  to  oscape  us  l)y  running 
ashore,  and  ;il)andoniii::  the  boat,  but  it  was  too  late.  Our  bow  w.'is  .almost 
touching  his  stcin.  and  in  the  desperation  of  the  moment,  the  American  troops 
discharged  their  muskets,  but  with  so  uncertain  an  aim,  in  consequence  of 
tlicir  being  closely  crowded  upon  eacli  other,  that  only  thiee  of  my  men  were 
wounded  by  their  fire.  Before  thoy  could  load  again,  we  were  enabled  to 
jrrapi)le  with  them  hand  to  hand.  A  few  of  my  men  h.ad  discharged  their 
pistols,  in  answer  to  the  American  volley,  before  I  had  time  to  interfere  to 
prevent  them  ;  but  the  majority  having  reserved  theirs,  we  had  now  immea- 
surably the  advantage.  Removing  the  bayonets  from  their  musk(;ts,  which 
at  such  close  quarters  were  useless,  they  continued  their  contest  a  short 
time  with  these,  but  the  cutlass  soon  overpowered  them,  and  they  sur- 
rendered." 

"And  Ihc  Major,  Gr.antham  ;  did  he  bch.ave  well  on  the  occasion?" 

"Gallantly.  It  was  the  Major  that  cut  down  the  only  man  I  had  dan- 
gerously wounded  in  the  affair,  and  he  would  have  struck  another  fatally,  had 
f  not  disarmed  him.  While  in  the  act  of  doing  .so,  I  was  treacherously  shot 
(in  tlu!  arm  only,  fortunately,)  by  the  younger  scoundrel,  Desborough,  whom 
ill  turn  I  saved  from  Sambo's  vengeance,  in  order  that  he  might  receivo 
a  more  fitting  punishment.  And  now,  gentlemen,  you  have  the  whole  history." 

"Yes,  as  far  as  regards  the  men  portion, '  said  Do  Courcy,  with  a  malicious 
smile  ;  "  but  what  became  of  the  lady  all  this  while,  my  conquering  hero  1 
Did  yon  find  her  playing  a  very  active  part  in  the  skirmish"?" 

•■  Active — no  !"  replied  Gei'ald,  slightly  coloring  as  he  remarked  all  ej'ea 
diroctoJ  '0  him  at  this  demand,  "but  passively  courageous  she  was  to  a  dogXM 


51 


MATILDA     MONTOOMCKin;     OR, 


f  coiil'I  not  liavc  sui)poso(l  post;ihlc  in  woman.  She  siitcftlin  nndrollcrtcfl  ftinid 
:ho  din  of  conllict,  as  if  she  had  Itccii  acriistomcd  to  tlie  tliiiiK  all  licr  lifo.  nor 
Dnc«!  movwl  from  the  sent  wliioh  she  (xrtipied  in  the  stern,  except  to  ninkc  an 
eil'ort  to  prevent  inc  from  disarming  her  uncle.  I  confess  that  her  coolnc.s.s 
astonished  uio,  wliilo  it  excited  my  warme.«t  udmirntion." 

"  I  hope  it  may  ho  nothin;^  heyond  adniinilion,"  ob.servcd  the  raj»lain  of 
(ircnadieis ;  "I  tell  you  as  a  Mend,  (Jerald,  T  do  not  like  this  accotnit  yoti 
{rive  of  lier  conduct.  A  woman  who  could  show  no  a};itation  in  such  a  sceno 
must  liave  cither  a  damn'd  cold,  or  adamn'd  black  heart,  and  there's  but  littlo 
claim  to  admiration  there." 

'•  U|)on  my  word.  Captain  Cranstoun,"  and  thehand.somc  features  of  (lerald 
crimsoned  witli  a  I'eelin;^  not  unmi.xed  with  .serious  dis|)leKstn'e,  ••  1  no  notquito 
understand  you — you  appear  toa.ssumo  .somcUiini;  between  Miss  Montj^omerio 
and  myself,  that  should  not  be  imputed  to  either — and  certainly,  not  ihun 
publicly." 

"  Nonsen.se,  man.  there's  no  use  in  makin;;  a  secret  of  the  matter,"  returned 
the  jpositive  grenadier.  '•  The  subject  was  di.scussed  after  diiuier  yesterday, 
and  there  was  nobody  present  who  didn't  agree,  that  if  you  liad  won  her  heart 
you  had  fjivcn  yoiu'  own  in  cxchau;ie." 

'•  God  forbid  !"  .said  ITenry  CJrantbam  with  unusual  pravity  of  manner, 
while  he  looked  ad'ectionately  on  the  clianjiin;.!;  and  fur  fnnn  satisfied  counte- 
tenance  of  his  conscious  brother,  "'for  1  repeat  with  Captain  Cranstoun,  I 
like  her  not.  Why,  I  know  not ;  still  I  like  her  not,  and  I  shall  be  giaJ, 
Gerald,  when  yon  have  consigned  her  to  the  place  of  her  destination." 

''Pooh  !  pooh!  non.seuse  !"  interrupted  Captain  Granville  ;  "  never  mind, 
Gerald,"  he  pursued,  {^ood  humoredly,  "she  is  a  splendid  girl,  and  one  that 
you  need  not  be  ashamed  to  own  as  a  contpiest.  IJy  heaven,  .slie  has  a  bust 
to  warm  the  bo.som  of  an  anchorite,  and  dej)end  upon  it,  all  that  Cranstoun 
lias  said  arises  only  from  pique  that  he  is  not  the  object  preferred.  Thoso 
black  eyes  of  hers  have  ,sct  his  ice  blood  upon  the  l)oil,  and  he  would  willingly 
exchange  jilaces  with  you,  as  I  honestly  confess  I  sliouM." 

Vexed  as  (Jerald  certainly  felt  at  the  familiar  (one  the  conversation  was  now 
assuming  in  regard  to  Miss  Montgomerio,  and  idthough  satisfied  that  mero 
pleasantry  was  intended,  it  was  not  without  a  .sensation  of  relief  that  he  found 
it  interrupted  by  the  entrance  of  the  several  non-commissioned  officers  with 
their  order-books.     Soon  after  the  party  broke  up. 


CHAPTER   X. 


BEFonE  noon,  on  the  following  day,  the  boat  that  wa?  to  convey  ]M!ijor 
Montgomerie  and  his  niece  to  the  American  .shore,  pulled  up  to  the  landing- 
place  in  front  of  the  fort.  The  weather,  as  on  the  pr-o.-c''  ■  ■  dnv,  was  fine, 
and  the  river  exhibited  the  .same  placidity  of  surfan       .M:  s  bodies  of 

Indians  were  collected  on  the  banks,  pointin;:  t  -v'  inarkmg  on  the  singu- 
larity of  tlie  white  fiag  wliich  hung  droopin  .  rn  of  the  '"lat.  Pres- 
ently the  prisoners  were  seen  advancing  to  t  .k.  nccompani  :>\  General 
Brock,  Commodore  Barcla}'.  .ind  the  princip  ii-ers  of  the  srar 
Montgomerie  appeared  pleased  at  the  prospect . 

while  the  countc  .knee  of  his  niece,  on  tlie  contrary,  i  resented  an  expression 
of  deep  thought,  although  it  was  afterwards  remarked  by  Granville  and  Vil- 
lier.s,  both  close  observers  of  her  demeanor,  tliat  as  her  eye  occasional!' 
glanced  in  the  direction  of  Detroit,  it  lighted  up  with  an  animation  strongly 
in  contrast  with  the  general  calm  and  abstractedness  of  her  manner.  All 
Iwing  now  ready,  Genild  Grantham,  who  had  received  his  final  instruct  ;on.q 
from  the  General,  ofl'ered  his  arm  to  Miss  Montgomerie.  who,  to  all  outward 
appearance,  took  it  mechanically  and  unconsciously,  although,  in  the  animal.  ' 


Mnjor 
hclib  !ty  that  awaited  him. 


THE     PROP  II  ROY     FULril.LICD. 


•nllcctpfl  ftinid 
1  licr  lifo.  nor 
)t  to  iiinkc  nn 
;  her  cooltiu.s.s 

>c  rapfftin  of 

i  account  you 

such  a  srcno 

re's  but  liulo 

rc8  of  Geral<l 
r  no  not  qiiito 
Montj^oini'rio 
ily,  not  thnH 

cr,"  rctnrncd 
IT  ycstcidnv, 
von  her  heart 

y  of  ninnnor, 
isfied  coiinto- 
Cranslonn,  I 
hall  be  glaJ, 
Lion." 

■  never  iniiul, 
and  one  that 
e  has  a  bvist 
at  Cranstoun 
nvd,  Thoso 
•uld  willingly 

ion  waR  now 
1  that  nu'ro 
lat  he  found 
onicers  with 


onvry  JfujoT 
the  laiiding- 

V,   WHS    fui(5, 

s  bodies  of 

Ti  the  yingu- 

•'at.     Pres- 

i'V  General 

son.    i\fajor 

iwaitcd  him, 

II  expression 

illeand  Vil- 

occasionall- 

ion  strongly 

lanner.     All 

iiistrnri.ona 

all  ontwnrd 

ho  uniniut 


took  which  the  yonn?  .Maiior  tnrncd  npon  her  in  the  next  instant,  there  wai 
eviilence  the  contact  liad  thrilled  elertrieally  to  Ins  heart.  After  o.\chan'xiii;Jf 
A  cordial  jtressMre  of  the  l>and  with  his  jrallunt  entertainers,  and  reiteratin-.i;  ti> 
the  CJeneral  liis  thanks  for  the  especial  favin-  coiifcrred  iipon  him,  the  venera- 
ble M  ijor  fuliowfd  them  to  the  boat.  His  departure  was  the  signal  for  much 
roininotioM  aitvin'^  the  Indians.  Hitherto  tliey  had  b.-xd  noideaofwhat  was 
in  contenipiation  ;  but  when  they  saw  tbeni  enter  and  take  their  seats  ni  tho 
l)oat.  they  raised  one  of  those  terrilic  shouts  whi<'h  have  so  often  Klrnck  terror 
an  1  dismay ;  ami  brandi-^bin;:;  thoir  weap')nM,  seemed  reaily  to  testify  tlieir 
disapprolxition  l>y  sometbintr  more  than  words.  It  was  bowrver  niomrntry— 
.%  comntandiu'.;  voice  made  itself  hi'ard,  eviMi  amid  the  din  of  their  loud  yell, 
and,  whi'ii  silence  had  been  obtained,  »  i'iiW  animated  si-ntenees,  ntterecl  in  a 
tone  of  deep  autliority.  caused  tin*  tumult  at  once  to  subside.  The  voieo  wan 
that  of  Tecumseh.  and  tliere  v.  I're  few  ainon;^  his  race  who.  Iirave  and  iindomi- 
table  as  they  were.  cou!<l  Hnd  courage  to  thwart  his  will.  Meaiuvliiie  ibn 
boat,  impelled  by  eifiht  active  seamen,  uri^ed  iin  way  through  tho  silvery  cur- 
rent, ami  in  less  than  an  hour  from  its  departntv  had  disappcNired. 

Two  hours  had  ela])scd — the  (ieneral  and  superior  ollicers  had  retired— and 
the  luilians,  fnv  by  few,  had  repaired  to  their  .s(>veral  en"ani{»inents,  eNcept  a 
party  of  young  warriors,  who,  wrapped  in  their  blankets  and  mantles.  lay  in- 
'lolently  extended  on  the  prass,  smoking  ttieir  j)ipes,  or  proilucini;  wild  soundn 
'rom  tlK'ir  melancholy  flutes.  Not  far  from  these,  sat,  with  their  leyrs  over- 
hanging the  edge  of  the  steep  bank,  a  groujt  of  the  Junior  oflii-ers  of  the  garri- 
son, who,  with  that  inilillevencu  whicJi  <!har.icterized  their  years,  were  occu- 
pied in  casting  pidibles  in^i  the  river,  and  watching  tho  bubljles  that  arose  to 
the  surfuv.  .\niong  the  inimber  was  Henry  (iianth.ini,  and,  at  a  short  di.s- 
tance  from  him.  sat  the  old  but  athletic  negro,  Sambo,  who,  not  having  bceix 
required  to  accompany  Gerald,  to  ndiom  he  was  especially  attached,  had  con- 
tinued to  linger  on  tho  bank  long  after  his  anxious  eye  had  lost  sight  of  tho 
boat  in  which  the  latter  had  departed.  While  thus  engaged,  a  new  direction 
was  given  to  the  interest  of  all  parties  by  a  peculiar  cry.  which  reacbed  thettj 
from  a  distance  over  the  water.  ai>pnrently  from  beyond  the  near  extremity 
of  tho  island  of  liois  IJlauc.  To  the  oflicers  the  sound  w;is  unintelligible,  for 
it  was  tho  fb'st  of  the  kind  they  had  ever  heard  ;  luit  tho  young  Indian.^ 
appeared  fully  to  un  lerstaud  its  import.  Starting  from  their  letliargv,  tliev 
sprang  abruptly  to  their  feet ;  and  giving  a  sliarp.  answering  yell,  stampeil 
upon  the  green  turf  and  snuH'cd  the  hot  air  with  distended  nostri^  hko  ko 
n\any  wild  hordes  let  loo.se  upon  the  desert.  Nor  was  foe  excitement  conHned 
to  these,  for,  all  along  the  line  of  encampment  tb.e  same  wild  notes  wero 
echoed,  and  forms  came  bounding,-  again  to  the  front,  until  the  bank  was  onco 
more  peopled  with  .savages, 

"  What  was  tho  meaning  of  that  crj--.  Sambo,  and  whence  came  it?"  asked 
Henry  (irauthatn,  who,  as  well  as  his  compir.ion.s,  had  strained  his  eyes  in 
every  direction,  but  in  vain,  to  di.scover  its  c;».uso. 

'•  Dat  a  calp  cry,  Massa  Henry — see  he  dorc  a  canoe  not  big'^er  than  a 
hick'ry  nut,"  and  he  pointed  with  his  Anger  to  what  in  fact  h.ad  the  appear- 
aiv  e  of  being  little  larger;  ''  I  wish,"  he  ])ursued.  with  bitternc-.ss,  '•  dey  brin;» 
him  calp  of  dom  billains  D.'.sborough — Dam  him  lying  tief." 

"  ibavo!"  exclaimed  Do  Courcy,  who,  in  common  with  his  companions. 
recollecting  Gerald's  story  of  the  preceding  day,  was  at  no  loss  to  understand 
why  the  latter  epithet  had  been  so  cmphaticalh'  bestowed  ;  '"  T  see  (winkinj; 
to  Henry  Grantham)  you  have  not  forgiven  his  paddling  round  the  gun- 
boat the  other  night,  while  you  and  the  rest  of  the  crow  were  aslecn,  eh. 
Sambo  ?" 

"  So  help  mc  hobben,  Obbiccr,  he  no  sail  around  a  gun-boat,  he  dam  a 
He  come  along  a  lake  like  a  dam  ticf  in  c  night,  and  I  tell  a  Massjk 
<ieral — and  Massa  Geral  and  ine  chase  him  all  ober  e  water — I  not  asleep, 
Massa  Courcy,"  pursued  the  old  man,  with  pique  j  "  I  nebber  sleep — Massa 
Qarii  ncbbcr  sleep." 


Yanlcee. 


I 


06 


MATltLDA     MONTGOMERIE;    OR, 


"  The  cicvil  ye  don't,"  observed  Do  Contcy^  quaintly  ;  '  f.icn  the  Lord  de- 
liver vie  from  gun-boat  ser\  Ice,  I  say." 
"  Amen  !"  responded  Villiers. 

''  Why,"  asked  Middlemore,  "  do  Gerald  Grantham  and  old  Frumpy  !ier« 
remind  one  of  a  certain  Irish  fostival  7  Do  you  give  it  up  ?  Because  they 
arc  awake " 

The  abuse  heapou  ,^n  the  pro-emincntly  vile  attempt  was  unmeasured- - 
Sambo  conceived  it  a  personal  afl'ront  to  himself,  and  he  said,  with  an  air  of 
mortification  and  wounded  dignity,  not  unmixed  with  ansjer : 

"  Sambo  poor  black  nigger — obbiccr  bcny  white  man,  bi!t  him  heart  all  ob 
ft  color.  lie  no  Frumpy — Massa  Geral  no  like  an  Irish  bestibal.  I  wonder 
he  no  tick  up  for  a  broder,  Massa  Henry."     His  agitation  here  was  extreme. 

'•Nonsense.  Sambo — don't  you  see  we  are  only  jesting  with  you  ?"  said  the 
youth,  in  the  kindest  tone — for  he  perceived  that  the  faithful  creature  was 
Htriving  hard  t'^  check  the  rising  tear^"  there  is  not  an  officer  here  who  does 
not  respect  j'ou  for  your  long  attachment  to  my  family,  and  none  would  wil- 
lingl}^  give  you  pain  ;  neither  should  you  suppose  they  would  say  anything 
oflensive  in  regard  of  my  brother  Gerald." 

Pacified  by  this  assurance,  which  was  moreover  corroborated  by  several  of 
his  companions,  really  annoyed  at  having  piiined  the  old  man.  Sambo  sank 
once  more  into  respectful  silence,  still  however  continuing  to  occupy  the  same 
spot.  During  this  coUoquj^  the  cry  had  been  several  times  repeated,  and  as 
often  replied  to  from  the  shore  ;  and  now  a  canoe  was  distinct!}'  visible,  urg- 
ing its  way  to  the  beach.  The  warriors  it  contained  were  a  scouting  party, 
six  in  number — four  paddling  the  light  bark,  and  one  at  the  helm,  while  the 
sixiii.  who  appeared  to  be  the  leader,  stood  upright  in  the  bow,  waving  from 
the  long  pole,  to  which  it  was  attachcci.  a  human  scalp.  A  few  minutes  and 
the  '..diole  had  landed,  and  were  cncirclej  on  the  bank  by  their  eager  and  in- 
quiring comrades.  Ilieir  story  was  soon  told.  The}'  had  encountered  two 
Americans  at  some  distance  on  the  opposite  shore,  who  were  evidently  making 
the  best  of  their  way  through  the  forest  to  Detroit.  I'hey  called  upon  them  to 
deliver  themselves  up,  but  the  only  answer  was  an  attem])t  at  flight.  The 
Indians  fired,  .".nd  one  fell  dead,  pierced  by  many  balls.  The  other,  however, 
who  happened  to  be  consideral»ly  in  advance,  threw  all  his  energy  into  h'm 
muscular  frame ;  and  being  untouched  by  the  discharge  that  had  slain  his 
companion,  succeeded  in  gaining  a  dense  underwood,  through  which  he  finally 
effected  his  escape.  The  scouts  continued  their  pursuit  for  upwards  of  an 
hour,  but  finding  it  fruitless,  returned  to  the  place  where  they  had  left  their 
canoo.  having  first  secured  the  scalp  and  spoils  of  the  fallen  man." 

'•  Dam  him,  debbel,"  exclaimed  Sambo,  who,  as  well  as  the  ofiiccrs,  had 
approached  the  party  detailing  their  exploit,  and  had  fixed  his  dark  eye  on 
the  dangling  trophy — '"May  I  ncbber  see  a  hebben  ib  he  not  a  calp  of  a 
younger  Desborough.  I  know  him  lying  tief  b}'  he  hair — he  all  yaller  like  a 
soger's  breiistplate — curse  him  rascal  (and  his  white  and  even  teeth  were 
exhibited  in  the  gi'in  that  accomjjanieil  the  remark.)  he  nebber  more  say  lit; 
Bail  round  Massa  Geral's  gun-bofit,  and  i\Iassa  Geral  and  Sambo  sleep." 

'■  By  Jove  he  is  right,"  said  De  Courcy.  "  I  recollect  remarking  the  color 
of  the  fellow's  hair  yesterday,  when,  on  calling  for  a  glass  of  "gin  sling,"  at 
the  inn  *o  which  I  had  conducted  him.  he  threw  his  slouched  hat  unceremo- 
niously on  the  table,  and  rubbed  the  fingers  of  both  hands  thi'ough  his 
carrot ty  locks,  until  they  appeared  to  stand  like  those  of  the  Gorgo]i,  perfectly 
on  end." 

"  And  were  there  other  proof  wanting,"  said  Villiers,  •'  we  have  it  hero  in 
the  spoil  his  slayers  arc  exhibiting  to  their  companions.  There  is  the  identical 
powder  horn,  bullet  pouch,  and  waist  belt,  which  he  wore  when  he  landed  on 
this  very  spot." 

'"And  I,"  said  Middlemoro,  "  will  swear  by  the  crooked  buckhorn  handlo 
of  that  huge  knife  or  dagger  ;  for  in  our  struggle  on  the  sands  ye.sterlay 
XDornuig,  his  blanket  coat  caine  opei,  and  disovered  the  weapon^  on  which  1 


\  the  Lord  de* 


Frumpy  l»er« 
Because  they 

intneasured — 
tvith  an  air  of 

n  heart  all  ob 
al.  I  woniler 
was  extreme, 
ou  ?"  said  the 
creature  was 
icrc  who  does 
lie  would  wil- 
say  anything 

by  several  of 
,  Sambo  sank 
upy  the  same 
jeated,  and  as 
y  visible,  nrg- 

outing  party, 
;lm,  while  the 

waving  from 
'  minutes  and 
eager  and  in- 
:ountered  two 
[ontly  making 
n])on  them  to 
t  flight.  The 
her.  however, 
lorgy  into  bin 
had  slain  his 
lich  he  finally 
pwanls  of  an 
had  loft  their 

!  officers,  had  ' 

dark  e3'^c  on 
t  a  calp  of  a 
1  yaller  like  a 
n  teeth  were 
more  say  hi* 
'  sleep." 
ing  the  color 
gin  sling,"  at 
lat  uncoretno- 
through  his 
gon,  perfectly 

lavc  it  here  in 
■i  the  identical 
ho  landed  on 

khorn  handle 
ids  yostcr  lay 
Hj  OU  which  1 


THE     PROPHKCV     lULFILLED. 


67 


kept  a  sharp  e\'c  during  the  whole  affair.  Had  he  but  managed  to  plant  that 
monster  (and  he  affected  to  shud<lcr,)  under  iny  middle  ribs,  then  would  it 
have  been  all  over  with  poor  Middlemoro." 

"There cannot  be  a  doubt,"  remarked  Henry  Grantham.  "  With  Sambo 
and  I)e  Courcy,  I  well  recollect  the  hair,  and  I  also  particularly  noticed 
the  handle  of  his  dagger,  which,  as  you  perceive,  has  a  remarkable  twist 
in  it." 

Ail  doubt  was  put  to  rest  by  Sambo,  who.  having  spoken  with  its  possessor 
for  a  moment,  now  returned,  bearing  the  knife,  at  the  extremity  of  the  handle 
of  wliich  was  engraved,  on  a  silver  shield,  the  letters  P.  E.  T.  A.  Ens.  M.  M- 

"  Patil  Emilius  Theophilus  Arnoldi,  Ensign  Michigan  Militia,"  pursued 
Grantham,  reading.  *■  'JMiis,  then,  is  conclusive,  and  we  have  to  congratulate 
ourselves  that  one  at  least  of  two  of  the  vilest  scoundrels  this  country  ever 
harboreil,  has  at  length  met  the  fate  he  merited." 

"  Fate  him  merit,  Mass.t  Henry  I"  muttered  the  aged  and  privileged  negro, 
witli  something  like  anger  in  his  tones,  as  he  returned  the  knife  to  the  Indian, 
"  he  dam  'scrter  from  a  king  !  No,  no  he  nebber  deserb  a  die  like  dis.  He 
ought  to  hah  a  rope  roun  him  neck  and  die  him  lying  tief  like  a  dog." 

"  [  guess,  however,  our  friend  Jeremiah  has  got  clean  slick  ott',"  .said  Vil- 
liers,  imitating  the  tone  and  language  of  that  individual,  "and  he,  I  take  it,  is 
by  far  the  more  formi<lable  of  the  two.  I  expect  that,  before  he  dies,  he  wiL 
give  one  of  us  a  long  shot  yet,  in  revenge  f^)r  the  fall  of  young  hopeful " 

''  Traitorous  and  revengeful  scoundrel  I '  asiiiratcd  Henry  Grantham,  as  the 
recollection  of  the  manner  of  his  father's  death  cnmc  over  his  mind.  '•  It  is,  at 
least,  some  consolation  to  think  his  villainy  has  in  part  met  its  reward.  I 
confess,  I  exult  in  the  death  of  young  De.sborough,  less  even  bec4vusc  a 
dangerous  enemy  has  been  removed,  than  because  in  his  fall  the  heart  of  the 
father  will  be  racked  in  its  only  assailable  point.  I  trust  I  am  not  naturally 
cruel,  yet  do  I  hope  the  image  of  his  slain  partner  in  infamy  may  ever  after  re^ 
visit  his  memory,  and  remind  him  of  his  crime." 

An  exchunation  of  the  Indians  now  drew  the  attention  of  the  officers  to  a 
boat  that  came  in  sight,  in  tlie  direction  in  which  that  of  Ger.ald  Grantham  had 
Ion;;  sinc3  disappeared,  and  as  she  drew  nearer,  a  white  flag  floating  in  the 
stern,  became  gradual!}''  distinguishable.  Expressions  of  surprise  passed 
among  the  ollioors,  by  whom  vai-ious  motives  were  assigned  as  the  cause  of  the 
return  of  the  Hag  of  truce,  for  that  it  was  their  own  boat  no  one  doubted, 
especial!}'  .as.  pn  approiichmg  sufficiently  near,  tlij  blue  uniform  of  the  officer 
who  steered  tlie  boat  was  visil)le  to  tlie  naked  eye.  On  a  yet  nearer  approach, 
however,  it  was  perceived  that  the  individual  in  question  wore  not  the  uniform 
of  the  British  nav)',  but  that  of  an  ollicer  of  the  American  line,  the  sarr.e  pre- 
cisely, indec'l,  as  that  of  Major  JMontgoinerie.  It  was  further  romarked  that 
tiiere  wa.s  no  lady  in  the  boat,  and  that,  independently  of  the  crew,  there  was 
besides  the  oflicer  already  named,  merely  one  individual,  dressed  in  the  non- 
commissioned uniform,  who  seemed  to  serve  as  his  orderly.  Full  evidence 
bei  -.g  now  had  that  this  was  a  flag  sent  from  the  American  fort,  which  had,  in 
all  probability,  mis.sed  Gerald  by  descending  one  channel  of  the  river  formed 
by  Turkey  Island,  while  the  latter  had  ascended  by  the  other,  the  aid-de-camp, 
De  Courcy,  hastened  to  acquaint  General  Brock  with  the  circumstance,  and  to 
receive  his  orders.  By  the  time  the  American  reached  tiie  landing-place,  the 
youth  had  returned,  accompanying  a  superior  officer  of  the  staff.  Both 
descended  the  flight  of  steps  leading  to  the  river,  when,  having  saluted  the 
officer,  after  a  moment  or  twoof  conversatior.,  they  proceeded  to  blindfold  him. 
This  preciution  liaving  been  taken,  the  American  was  then  haniied  over  the 
gun-wale  of  the  boat,  ant!  ''ssisted  up  the  flight  of  stops  by  the  two  British 
olHcers on  who.sc  aims  ho  leaned.  As  they  passed  through  the  crowd,  on  their 
way  to  the  fort,  the  ears  of  the  stra.iger  were  assailed  by  loud  yells  from  the 
bauds  of  Indians,  who,  with  looks  of  intense  curiosity  and  interest,  gazed  on 
the  passing,  and  to  them  in  some  degree  inuxplicab'e.  scene.  Startling  as  waa 
the  flerco  cry,  Lhe  officer  pursued  liis  course  without  n)ovin<;  a  muscle  of  hi| 


^ 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;    OR* 


line  and  miinly  form,  bej'ond  whsit  Teas  necessary  to  the  action  in  wliich  he 
was  enga<;e(!.  It  was  a  position  that  demanded  all  his  collcctcdncss  and 
^oiiia-ro.  and  he  seemed  as  thotiifh  he  had  previously  made  up  his  mind  not  to 
be  deficient  in  cither.  Perhiips  it  \vas  well  that  he  had  been  temporarily  do- 
J)rivcd  of  sinjht,  for  could  he  have  beheld  the  numerous  tomahawks  that  were 
raised  towards  him.  in  pantomimic  representation  of  what  they  would  have 
done  had  they  been  permitted,  the  view  would  in  no  way  have  assisted  liis 
<elf-possCssion,  The  entrance  to  the  fort  once  f^ained  by  the  little  party,  tho 
clamor  be<;an  to  subside,  and  the  Indians,  by  whom  they  had  been  followed, 
returned  to  the  bank  of  the  river  to  satisfy  their  curiositj'  with  a  view  of  those 
who  had  been  left  in  tho  boat,  to  which,  as  a  security  aijainst  all  possible  out- 
rage, a  ser<;cant's  command  had  meanwliile  been  despatched. 

It  was  in  the  drawin<;-room  of  Colonel  D'Egvillc.  that  the  General,  sur- 
Ijounded  by  his  chief  olHcors,  awaited  tho  arrival  of  the  tlap;  of  truce.  Into 
this  the  American  Colonel,  for  such  was  his  raiik.  after  traversinj;  the  area  of 
the  fort  that  lay  between,  was  now  ushered,  and,  the  bandap;e  beinj;  rem.oved, 
his  eye  encountered  several  to  whom  he  was  personally  known,  and  with  thes& 
ffnch  .salutations  as  became  the  occasion  were  exchanged. 

"  The  Han;  you  bear,  sir,"  commenced  the  general,  after  a  few  moments  of 
pause  succeeilinu;  these  greetings,  "  relates,  I  presume,  to  the  pri,soners  so  re- 
cently fallen  into  our  hands." 

"  By  no  means,  Gencrrd,"  returned  the  American,  "this  is  the  first  intima 
^tion    I  have  had  of  such  fact — my  mission  is  of  a  wholly  different  nature. 
I  am  deputed  by  the  otilcer  commanding  the  forces  of  the  United  States  to 
liumnion   the  garrison  of  Aniherstburg,  with  all  its  naval  dependencies,  tu 
•urrendor  within  ten  days  from  this  period." 

,  The  General  .smiled.  ''A  .simil.ar  purpose  seems  to  have  actuiitcd  us  both," 
iic  ob.served,  "  A  shorter  limit  have  I  prescribed  to  the  officer  by  whom  I 
have,  this  very  day,  sent  a  me.s.sage  to*  General  Hull ;  where,  may  I  ask,  did 
you  pass  my  Hag  7" 

"  I  met  with  none,  General,"  and  yet  my  boat  kept  as  nearly  in  the  middle 
•of  the  stream  as  possible." 

,    ••  Then  nnist  ye  have  passed  eack  other  on  the  opposite  sides  of  Turkey 
Island.     The  orTicei*  in  charge  was  moreover  accompanied  by  two  of  the  pri- 
soners to  whom  I  have  alludeil — one  a  field  officer  in  your  own  regiment." 
»   V  iMay  I  ask  wlio  ?"  interrupted  the  American  quickly,  and  slightly  coloring, 
.V  Major  Montgonierie." 

*' So  1  suspected.    Was  the  other  of  my  regiment  ?" 

"  The  other,"  said   the  General,  '•  bears  no  commission,  and  is  simpiy  a 
f-oluuteer  in  the  expedition — one,  in  short,  whose  earnest  wish  to    reach 
Detroit,  was  the  pnncipal  motive  for  my  offering  the  Major  his  liberty  on 
•parole." 

"  And  may  I  ask  tho  name  of  this  individual,  so  unimportant  in  rank,  and 
tet  so  filled  with  ardor  in  the  cause,  as  to  be  thus  anxious  to  gain  the  theatre 
«1  war  ?" 

,  '•  One  probably  not  unknown  to  you.  Colonel,  as  the  niece  of  your  brother 
officer — Mi.ss  Montgomerie." 

'•  Miss  Montgomerie  here !"  faltered  tho  American,  rising  and  paling  as  ho 
^oke,  while  lie  inechanically  jjlaced  on  tho  table  a  glass  of  wine  he  had  tho 
instant  before  raised  to  his  lip,s — "  surely  it  cannot  be." 

There  was  much  to  excite  interest,  not  only  in  the  changed  tone  but  in  the 
altered  ftjfttures  of  the  American,  as  he  thus  involimtaril}'  gave  expression  to 
liis  surprise.  The  yoi'nger  oflicers  winked  at  each  other,  and  STniled  their 
conviction  of  U7ie  affaire  de  caeui — while  the  senior  were  no  less  ready  to 
■  infer  that  tliey  had  now  arrived  at  the  true  secret  of  the  imi)atience  of  Mis.s 
Montgomerie  to  reach  tho  plac^'  of  her  destination.  To  the  penetrating  eve 
^  the  Genct-al,  however,  there  was  an  expression  of  pain  on  the  i-ountenance 
6{  the  otlicer,  which  accorded  ill  with  the  feeling  which  a  lover  might  be  sup- 
posed to  cuter taiu,  who  had  been  unexpectedly  brought  nearer  to  an  object  of 


rema 
"I 


II  in  which  he 
Jctcdncss  and 
s  mind  not  to 
riiporai'ily  <lo- 
vks  tlifit  were 
y  would  have 
3  assisted  his* 
tie  party,  tho 
ocn  followed. 
view  of  those 
possible  out- 

General,  sur- 
'  truco.  Into 
\'f  the  area  of 
my;  rem.oved, 
nd  with  those 

moments  of 
isonors  so  re- 

^  first  intiina 
ercnt  nature, 
ted  States  to 
icndcncies,  to 

ted  lis  both," 
•  by  whom  I 
ay  I  ask,  did 

in  the  middle 

s  of  Turkey 
vo  of  the  pri- 
ei;iment." 
itly  coluriny. 


IS  snnpiy  a 
ish  to  reach 
is  liberty'  on 

in  rank,  and 
II  tlie  theatre 

•our  brother 

palinj^  as  ho 
e  he  had  tho 

c  btit  in  the 
'xpression  to 
smiled  their 
ess  ready  to 
cnce  of  MisM 
letrating  eve 
•"•nun  tenant  :e 
ii,uht  he  snp- 
an  object  of 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED.  0^ 

attachment,  and  ho  kindly  sought  to  relieve  his  evident  onibarrassnicnt  by    '' 
reiniirkin;jc:  '      ■ 

"I  can  readily  comprehend  your  surprise,  Colonel.     One  would  scarcely 
have  supposed  that  a  female  could  have  had  courage  to  brave  tho  danj^ers  a^ 
fondant  on  an  expedition  of  this  kind,  in  an  open  boat ;  but  Miss  Montfromeri« 
I  confess,  appears  to  me  to  be  one  whom  no  danger  could  daynt.  and  whosf  * 
resoluteness  oP  i)urpose,  once  directed,  no  secondary  object  could  divert  frorto  ■ 
its  original  aim." 

Before  the  officer  could  reply,  Colonel  D'Egville,  who  had  absented  himself  » 
during  the  latter  part  of  the  conversation,  returned,  antl  addressing  the  fortner  '■■ 
in  terms  that  proved  their  acqviaintance  toliavebccn  of  previou-s  date,  invited* 
him  to  partake  of  son  e  refreshment  that  had  been  preptired  for  him  in  arj. 
adjoining  apartment.     This  the  American  at  fii-st  faintly  declined,  on  tlic  plea 
of  delay  having  been  prohibitofl  by  his  chief ;  but,  on  the  general  jocosely  ro^ 
marking  that,  sharing  their  hospitality  on  the  present  occasion  would  be  nOi.  '* 
barrier  to  breaking  a  lance  a  week  hence,  lie  assented  ;  and,  following  Coh»nel 
D'Egville,  passed  ihrongh  a  short  corridor  into  a  smaller  ai)artment,  where* 
copious  but  hurried  refreshment  had  been  prepared.  * 

The  entry  of  the  ofBcors  was  greeted  by  the  presence  of  three  ladies — Mrg. 
D'Egville  and  her  daughters — all  of  whom  received  him  with  the  frank  cordi- 
ality that  bespoke  intimacy,  while,  on  the  countenance  of  one  of  the  latter, 
might  be  detected  evidences  of  an  interest  that  had  its  foundation  in  some^' 
thing  more  than  the  mere  esteem  which  dictated  the  conduct  of  her  mother  and  ' 
sister.  If  Julia  D'Egville  was  in  reaUty  the  laughini",  light  hearted,  creature 
represented  in  the  mess  room  conversation  of  the  otticers  of  the  garrison,  ij- 
would  have  been  didicult  for  a  stranger  to  have  recognised  her  in  the  some^ 
what  serious  girl  who  now  added  her  greetings  to  tlieir.s,  but  in  a  manner^ 
slightly  tinctured  with  embarrassment.* 

The  American,  who  seemed  not  to  notice  it,  directed  his  conver.'?ation,  as  ho.' 
partook  of  the  refreshment,  principally  to  Mis.  D'Egville,  to  whom  he  spoka 
of  various  ladies  at  Detroit,  friends  of  both,  who  were  deep  deplorers  of  thd 
war  and  the  non-communication  which  it  occasionetl ;  alluded  to  the  many  do- 
liglitful  parties  that  had  taken  place,  yet  were  now  interrupted ;  and  to  thp 
many  warm  friendships  which  had  been  formed,  yet  might  by  this  event  b<( 
severed  for  ever.  lie  concluded  by  presenting  a  note  from  a  very  intiinatj|| 
friend  of  the  family,  to  which,  he  said,  he  had  been  requested  to  take  back  4 
written  answer. 

A  feeling  of  deep  gratification  pervaded  the  benevolent  countenance  of  Mrs, 
D'Egville,  us,  on  perusal,  she  found  that  it  contained  the  offer  of  an  asvlui|| 
for  herself  and  daughters  in  case  Amherstburgh  should  be  carried  bv  sJorni. 

"  Excellent,  kind  hearted  friend !"  she  exclaimed  when  she  had  finished-** 
"this  indeed  does  merit  an  answer.  Need  of  assistance,  however,  there  it 
none,  since  my  noble  friend,  the  General  has  pledgtul  himself  to  anticipate  .%ny 
attemnt  to  make  our  soil  the  theatre  of  war — still,  does  it  give  me  pleasure  tb- 
be  enabled  to  reciprocate  her  oiler,  by  promising,  in  my  turn,  an  asylum  again.sfc 
all  chances  of  outrage  on  the  part  of  the  wild  Indians,  attached  to  our  cause* 
— and  she  left  the  room. 

No  sooner  did  the  American  find  himself  alone  with  tho  sisters,  for  Colon(i|  • 
D'Egville  had  previously  retired  to  the  General,  than  discarding  all  rt'serv^ 
and  throwing  himself  on  his  knees  at  the  feet  of  her  who  sat  next  him,  he  ex% 
claimed  in  accents  of  the  most  touching  pathos: 

'"Julia,  dearest  Julia!  for  this  chiefly  am  I  here.  T  volunteered  to  be  thf 
bearer  of  the  summons  to  the  British  General,  in  the  hope  tliat  some  kind 
chance  would  give  you  to  m3'  view,  and  now  that  fortune,  propitious  beyond 
my.  utmost  expectations,  affords  me  the  liappiness  of  speaking  to  you  whom  { 
had  feared  never  to  behold  more,  oh,  tel!  me  that,  whatever  be  the  result  of 
this  unliappy  war,  you  will  not  forget  me.  For  me,  I  shall  ever  chcr:sh  yO|l 
in  my  heart's  core." 

The  glow  which  mantled  over  the  check  of  the  agitated  girl,  plait ly  tol^ 


w 


MATILDA     Mv^NTOOMKRIF;    OR, 


that  tins  passionate  appeal  was  made  to  no   unwilling  car.     Slill  she  spoke 
not. 

"  Dearest  Julia,  answer  mc — the  moments  of  my  stay  are  few.  and  at  each 
instant  we  are  lial)le  to  interruption.  In  one  word,  tliercfore,  may  I  hoiwl 
In  less  than  a  week,  nniny  who  have  lon^  hecn  friends  will  meet  as  cneniicfl. 
Let  me  then  at  least  have  the  consolation  to  know  from  yoiir  lijjs,  that  what- 
ever be  the  event,  that  dearest  of  all  ^^ifts — your  love  is  unehan;;eahly  mine." 

"  I  do  promise,  Ernest,"  faltered  the  tremhling  s'''-  '"  ^'.V"  heart  is  youra 
»nd  yoins  for  ever — hut  do  not  unnecessarily  expose  yourself,"  and  her  head 
jank  conndingly  on  the  shoulder  of  her  lover. 

"  Thank  you,  dearest,"  and  the  eneirclin;;  arm  of  the  impassioned  officer 
drew  her  form  closer  to  his  heating  heart.  Gertrude,  you  are  witness  of  her 
TOW,  and  before  you,  under  more  auspicious  circumstances,  will  I  claim  its 
fulfilment.  Oh  Julia,  Jiilia,  this  indeed  does  recompense  me  for  many  a  long 
hour, of  anxiety  and  doubt." 

'•  And  hers  too  have  been  hours  of  anxiety  and  doubt,"  said  the  gentlo 
Gertrudf.  ••  Ever  since  the  war  has  been  sj>oken  of  as  certain,  Julia  has  been 
no  longer  the  gay  girl  she  was.  Her  dejection  has  been  subject  of  remark 
with  all.  and  such  is  her  dislike  to  any  allusion  to  the  past,  that  she  never 
even  rallies  Ca[)tain  Oranstoun  on  his  bear-skin  adventure  of  last  winter  on 
the  ice." 

"Ah,"  interrupted  the  American,  "never  shall  I  forget  the  evening  that 
preceded  that  adventure.  It  wiis  then,  dearest  Julia,  that  I  ventured  to  ex- 
press the  feeling  with  which  you  had  inspired  me.  it  was  then  1  had  first  tho 
delight  of  liearing  from  your  lips  that  I  need  not  entirely  despair.  I  often, 
often,  think  of  that  night." 

•'  Of  course  you  have  not  yet  received  my  note,  Ernest.  Perhaps  you  will 
deem  it  'uconsidorate  in  mo  to  have  written,  but  I  could  not  resist  the  desire 
to  alford  you  what  I  conceived  would  be  a  gratitication,  by  communicating  in- 
telligence of  our.M;lvcs. 

"  Note !  what  note !  and  by  whom  conveyed  ?" 

"Have  you  not  heard,  incpiircd  Gertrude,  warming  into  animation,  "that 
the  General  has  .sent  a  liag  this  morning  to  Detroit  and,  under  its  protection, 
two  prisoners  captured  by  my  cousin,  who  is  the  olliccr  that  conducts 
them." 

"  And  to  that  cousin  you  have  confided  tho  letter  ?"  interrupted  the  Colonel, 
somewhat  cagerl}'. 

'■  No,  not  my  cousin,"  said  Julia,  "but  to  one  [  conceived  better  snite<l  to 
the  trust.  You  must  know  that  my  father,  with  his  usual  hospitf»lity,  insisted 
on  Major  Montgomoric  and  his  ncice.  tho  parties  in  question,  taking  up  their 
abode  with  lis  during  tho  short  time  they  remained." 

"And  to  Miss  Montgomerie  you  gave  your  letter,"  hurriedly  exclaimed 
the  Colonel,  starting  to  his  feet,  and  exhibiting  a  countenance  of  oxtremo 
paleness. 

'•  Good  heaven.  Ernest !  what  is  the  matter  1  Surely  you  do  not  think  m# 
guilty  of  imprudence  in  this  atlair.  1  was  anxious  to  write  to  yon. — I  ima- 
gined you  would  be  glad  to  hear  from  me,  and  thought  that  the  niece  of  one 
of  your  oflicers  would  be  the  most  suitable  medium  of  communication.  I 
there  f;ire  confes.sed  to  her  my  .secret,  and  requested  her  to  take  charge  of  tho 
letter." 

'•  Oh.  Julia,  you  have  been  indeed  imprudent.  But  what  said  she — how 
looked  she  when  you  confided  to  her  our  secret  ?" 

"  She  made  no  other  remark  than  to  ask  how  long  our  attachment  had  ex- 
isted, and  her  look  and  voice  were  calm,  and  her  cheek  underwent  no  variation 
from  Ih.i  settled  paleness  observable  there  since  her  arrival." 

'•  And  in  what  manner  did  she  receive  her  trust  ?"  again  eagerly  demanded 
the  Colonrl. 

"  With  a  solemn  assurance  that  it  should  be  delivered  to  you  with  her  own 
hand — then,  and  then  only,  did  a  faint  smile  animate  her  slill  but  bcautifui 


11  she  spoke 

,  and  ftt  each 
may  I  hoytol 
t  as  t-neniicB. 
s,  that  what- 
;c'al)ly  inino." 
loart  is  youra 
and  her  head 

?ioncd  officer 
itness  of  her 
11  I  claim  its 
many  a  long 

id  the  pr-ntlo 
lulia  has  been 
!ct  of  remark 
hat  she  never 
ist  winter  on 

evening  thiit 
ntiired  to  cx- 
1  had  first  tho 
)air.     I  often, 

haps  you  will 
iist  tlie  desire 
lunicating  in- 


nation.  '•  that 
ts  protection, 
Kit   conducts 

d  the  Colonel, 

ttcr  suited  to 
f.lity,  insisted 
king  up  their 

ly  exclaimed 
e  of  extreniu 

not  think  m# 
you, — I  inia- 
nioce  of  one 
lUnication.  I 
charge  of  tho 

lid  she — how 

ment  had  ex- 
t  no  variation 

rly  demanded 

witli  hci  own 
but  beautiful 


T  U  K     P  II  ()  V  U  r.  C  Y     F  r  L  F  I  L  L  E  P  . 


71 


features.  Yet  why  all  these  questions,  Ernest  ?  Or,  can  it  roallybe?  ToU 
me,''  anil  the  voice  of  the  youu'::  !:;i''l  brc;imi'  impontive,  "  has  Miss  Monlgo* 
merie  any  claim  uprm  your  hand — she  adniiltcd  to  have  known  you?" 

"  ()u  my  honor,  none ;"  impressively  returned  the  Colonel. 

'•  Oh,  what  a  weight  you  have  removed  from  my  heart,  Ernest,  hut  where* 
fore  you  alarm,  and  wherein  consists  my  impruilence  ?" 

'•  In  this  only,  dearest  Julia,  that  I  had  Tnuch  rather  another  than  she  hfti 
been  admitted  into  your  conlidence.  T'ut  as  you  have  acted  for  tlie  best,  I 
caiuiot  blame  yoM.  Still  I  doubt  not,"  and  the  tones  of  the  Ameriean  wer« 
low  anil  desponduig,  '"  that,  as  shoh.as  promised,  she  will  find  means  to  deliver 
your  note  into  my  own  hand.s — the  seal  is——?" 

"  A  fancy  one — Andromache  disarminj;  Hector." 

"Rise,  for  Heaven's  .sake  rise,"  interrupted  Gertrude ;  "here  comes  mam* 
ma." 

One  fond  pressure  of  her  sracefid  form,  and  the  Colonel  had  resumed  his 
seat.  In  the  next  moment  Mrs.  D'Efrviile  entere<l,  by  one  door,  and  immedi- 
ately afterwards  her  husband  by  another.  The  former  handed  her  nole,  and 
durinp;  the  remarks  which  accompanied  its  delivery,  (rave  the  little  party — for 
Gertrude  was  scarcely  less  agitated  than  her  sister — time  to  recover  from  their 
cmbarra.ssment.  Some  casual  conversation  then  ensued,  when  the  American, 
despite  of  Mrs.  D'Egville's  declar.atiou  that  he  could  not  h;ive  touched  a 
single  thing  dtu'iug  her  absence,  expresserl  his  anxiety  to  depart.  Tlie  samo 
testimonies  of  friendly  grectinq:.  which  had  marked  his  entrance,  were  ex- 
changed, and,  preceded  by  his  kind  host,  the  Colonel  once  more  gained  tho 
apartment  were  the  General  still  lingered,  awaiting  his  reappearance. 

Nothing  remaining  to  be  added  to  tho  answer  already  given  to  the  sum- 
mons, the  American,  after  exchanging  salutations  with  such  of  the  Englisli 
officers  as  were  personally  known  to  him.  acjain  .submitted  himself  to  tho 
0|)cration  of  blindfolduig;  aft(>r  which  he  w.as  reconducted  to  the  beach,  where 
his  boat's  crew,  who  had  in  their  turn  been  supplied  wi'h  rcfreshmenls.  wero 
ready  to  receive  him.  As,  on  his  arrival,  the  loud  yellings  of  the  Indians  ac- 
companied his  departure,  but  as  these  had  been  found  to  be  harmless,  they 
were  even  less  heeded  than  before.  Within  two  hour.s,  despite  of  the  strong 
current,  the  boat  had  disri])peare'l  altogether  from  their  view. 

Late  in  that  day,  the  barge;  of  Gerald  Grantham  returned  from  Detroit. 
U.shercd  into  the  presence  of  the  General,  the  young  sailor  communicated  tho 
tlelivery  of  his  charge  into  the  hands  of  the  Ameri'-an  Chief  who  had  returned 
his  personal  acknowled'.rments  for  the  courtesy,  llis  answer  to  the  summons, 
however,  was  that  having  a  force  fully  adequate  to  the  "purpose,  he  was  pro- 
pared  to  defend  tho  fort  to  tho  last  extremity,  and  waiving  his  own  original 
])lan  of  attack,  would  await  the  IJritish  General  on  tho  defensive,  when  to  tho 
God  of  liattles  should  be  left  tho  decision  of  the  contest.  To  a  question  on 
the  subject,  the  young  officer  added  that  he  had  seen  nothing  of  the  American 
lia?r  of  truce,  either  in  goimr  or  returninqr. 

Tha^  night  orders  were  issued  to  the  heads  of  the  difTcrent  departments, 
immediately  to  f)reparo  material  for  a  short  siege;  and.  an  a.s.sault  at  the  ter- 
mination of  the  third  day. 


CHAPTER  XT. 

Conformably  with  the  orders  ol  the  Briti.sh  General,  the  siejro  of  the 
American'  fortress  was  commenced  on  the  day  following  that  of  the  mutual 
exchange  of  flags.  The  elevated  ground  above  the  village  of  Sandwich,  immo- 
diately  opposite  to  the  »^nemy's  fort,  was  chosen  for  the  erection  of  throe  bat- 
teries, from  which  a  well  .sustained  and  well  directed  fire  was  kept  up  for 
•"•veral  suoccs.sive  days,  yet  without  ofTocting  any  practicable  breach  in  thcijf 


78 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;     OR, 


defences.  One  of  these  batteries,  manned  principally  by  sailors,  was  under 
the  direction  of  Gerald  Grantham,  whose  look-ontondnty  had  been  in  a  great 
depree  rendered  unnecessary,  by  the  advance  of  the  Enpjlish  flotilla  up  tho 
river,  and  who  had  consequently  been  appointed  to  this  tnore  active  service. 

Durinp;  the  whole  of  Saturday,  the  15th  of  August,  the  British  guns  had 
continued  to  play  upon  the  fort,  vomiting  shot  and  shell  as  from  an  exhaust- 
Jess  and  angi-y  volcano — and  several  of  the  latter  falling  short,  the -town  which 
was  of  wood  liad  been  more  than  once  set  on  fire.  As,  howevei-,  it  was  by 
HO  means  the  intention  of  the  General  to  do  injury  to  the  inhabitants,  no  ob- 
j?tacle  was  opposed  to  tho  attempts  of  the  enemy  to  get  it  under,  and  tho 
flames  were  as  often  and  as  speedily  extinguished.  An  advanced  hour  of 
night  at  length  put  an  end  to  the  firing,  and  the  artillery  men  and  seamen, 
extended  on  their  great-coats  and  pea-jackets,  in  their  several  embrasures, 
snatched  from  fatigue  the  repose  which  their  unceasing  exertions  of  the  manj 
previous  hours  had  rendered  at  once  a  luxury  and  a  want. 

The  battery  commanded  liy  Gerald  Grantham  was  the  central  and  most 
prominent  of  tho  three,  and  it  had  been  remarked  by  all — and  especially  by 
the  troops  stationed  in  the  rear  in  support  of  the  guns — that  his  firing  durinf^ 
the  day  ha<l  been  tho  most  ellicient,  many  of  his  shots  going  point  blank  into 
the  hostile  fortress.  an<l  (as  could  be  distinctly  seen  with  the  telescope)  occa- 
moning  evident  confusion. 

The  sevei-al  oilioers  commanding  batteries  were  new  met  in  that  of  tho 
young  sailor,  and,  habited  in  a  garb  befitting  the  rude  duty  at  which  they  had 
presided,  wei-e  earnestly  engaged  in  discus.smg  the  contents  of  their  haver- 
8.'\cks,  moisteneil  by  occasional  drafts  of  rum  and  water  from  their  wooden 
canteens,  and  seasoned  with  frequent  reference  to  the  events  of  the  past  day, 
and  anticipations  of  wliat  the  morrow  would  bring  forth.  A  lantern,  so  closctl 
n.s  to  prevent  all  possibility  of  contact  with  the  powder  that  lay  strewed  about, 
was  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  circle,  and  the  dim  reflexion  from  this  upon 
the  unwashed  hands  and  f;xces  of  the  pasty,  begrimed  as  they  were  with  pow- 
der and  perspiration,  contributed  to  give  an  air  of  wildness  to  the  whole  scene, 
that  found  its  origin  in  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  moment.  Nor  wan 
tho  picture  at  all  lessened  in  ferocity  of  cilect,  by  the  figure  of  Sambo  in  tho 
back  groimd,  who,  dividing  his  time  between  the  performances  of  such  offices 
as  his  young  master  demanded,  in  the  course  of  the  frugal  meal  of  the  party, 
and  a  most  assiduous  application  of  his  own  white  and  shining  teeth  to  a 
huge  piece  of  venison  ham,  might,  without  effort,  have  called  up  the  image  of 
some  lawless,  yet  obedient  slave,  attending  on  and  sharing  in  the  orgies  of  a 
company  of  buccanicrs. 

At  length  the  meal  was  ended,  and  each  was  preparing  to  depart,  with  a 
Tiew  to  snatch  an  hour  or  two  of  rest  in  his  own  battery,  when  the  pricked 
car  and  forward-thrown  head  of  the  old  negro,  accompanied  by  a  quick, 
'•  Ilush,  ^lassa  Geral,"  stilled  them  all  into  attitudes  of  expectanc.y.  Pres- 
ently the  sound  of  mnflled  oars  was  heard,  and  then  the  liarsh  grating,  as  of 
a  boat's  keel  upon  the  sands. 

'•  In  the  next  minute  the  officers  were  at  their  posts ;  but.  before  they  could 
fjucceed  in  awakening  their  jaded  men.  who  seemed  to  sleep  the  sleep  of  death, 
the  sentinel  at  the  first  battery  had  received,  in  answer  to  his  hurried  chal- 
lenge, the  jiropcr  countersign,  and.  as  on  closer  inspection  it  was  found  that 
there  was  only  one  boat,  he  knew  it  niiist  be  their  own,  and  the  alarm  wh'ich 
had  seized  them  for  the  security  of  their  trust  passed  away. 

They  were  not  long  kept  in  suspense.  One  individual  alone  had  ascended 
from  the  bearh,  and  now  stood  among  them,  habited  in  a  dread-nought  jacket 
and  trousers  and  round  hat.  His  salutation  to  each  was  cordijxl,  and  ho 
expressed  in  warm  terms  the  approbation  he  felt  at  the  indefatigable  and 
ellicient  n\anner  in  which  the  duty  assigned  to  each  had  been  conducted. 

"  Well,  gentlemen,"  continued  "tlie  Commodore,  (for  it  was  he.)  "  you  havo 
done;  fatnously  to-day.  JMuch  has  been  done,  but  morerenuiins.  To-morrow 
you  must  work  double  tiiies.     At  daylight  you  must  re-opoo  with  showers  o* 


THE     PROPIIECV     FULFILLED. 


73 


?,  was  uncTef 
en  in  a  great 
Jtilla  np  tho 
ivc  service. 
;h  guns  hnti 
an  exhanst- 
•lovvn  which 
ei',  it  was  by 
tants,  no  ob- 
ider,  and  tho 
ictd  hour  of 
and  seamen, 
embrasures, 
of  the  many 

al  and  most 
"Specially  by 
irin^^  durinfj 
it  blank  into 
scope)  occa- 

that  of  th(> 
ich  they  had 
their  haver- 
heir  wooden 
lie  past  day, 
rn.  so  closed 
•ewcd  about, 
!u  this  upon 
e  with  pow- 
whole  scene, 
i.  Nor  was 
ambo  in  the 

such  offices 
'f  the  party, 
:  teeth  to  a 
he  image  of 
J  orgies  of  a 

part,  with  a 
the  pricked 
by  a  quick, 
ncy.  Pres- 
■ating,  as  of 

e  they  could 
?ep  of  death, 
urried  chal- 
^  found  that 
ilarm  which 

id  ascended 
)ught jacket 
lial.  and  ho 
tigablo  and 
ducted. 
I  "  you  havo 
To-morro\» 
I  showLTSO* 


shot  and  shell,  for  it  is,  during  the  confusion  caused  by  your  fire,  that  the 
General  intends  crossing  his  troops  and  advancing  to  the  assauU.  Uut  this 
ig  not  all — we  have  somu  suspicion  tho  enemy  may  attempt  your  batteries  thi.<» 
very  night,  with  a  view  of  either  spiking  the  guns,  if  they  cannot  maintain 
tho  position,  or  of  turning  them,  if  they  can,  on  our  advancing  columns. 
Now  all  tho  troops  destined  for  the  assault  are  assembled  ready  to  elTect  their 
landing'  at  daybreak,  and  none  can  bo  spared  unless  tho  emergency  be  palpable. 
What  I  seek  is  a  volunteer  to  watch  tho  movements  of  the  enemy  duruig  the 
remainder  of  the  night — one  (and  he  looked  at  Gr:intham.)  whose  knowledge 
Df  the  country  will  enable  him  to  approach  the  op{)isite  coast  unseen, 
and  whose  expedition  will  enable  us  to  have  due  warning  of  any  hostile 
attempt." 

"  I  shall  be  most  happy,  sir,  to  imdertakc  the  task,  if  you  consider  me  worthy 
of  it."  .said  Grantham,  "  but— — "  .,,    , 

'•  But  what  ?"  interrupte^l  the  Commodore,  hastily. 

''  Mv  only  diiTicult)',  sir,  is  tho  means.  Had  I  my  light  canoe  hero, 
with  Sambo  for  my  helmsman.  I  would  seek  their  secret  even  on  their  own 
Khorcs." 

"  Bravo,  my  gallant  fellow."  returned  the  Commodore,  again  cordially 
shaking  the  hand  of  his'  Lieutenant.  ''  This  I  expected  of  you.  and  have  como 
prepared.     I  have  hail  the  precaution  to  bring  your  canoe  and  paddles  with 


me — you  wilLflml  them  below  in  my  boat." 

"  Then  is  every  difficulty  at  an  end 
"  And  our  dress,  sir  ?" 


"  exclaimad  the  young  sailor  jo3'ously. 


"  No  disguise  whatever,  in  case  of  accidents — we  must  not  have  you  run 
the  risk  of  being  hanged  for  a  spy." 

Gerald  Grantham  having  secured  his  cutlass  and  pistols,  now  descended 
with  tho  Commodore  to  the  beach,  whither  Sambo  (similarly  armed)  had 
nlready  preceded  him.  Under  tho  active  and  vigorous  hands  of  the  latter,  the 
canoe  had  already  been  removed  from  the  boat,  and  now  rested  on  the  sands 
ready  to  be  shoved  off.  The  ihial  instructions  of  the  Commodore  to  his  ofli- 
cer,  as  to  the  manner  of  comraunicating  intelligence  of  any  movement  on  the 
part  of  the  Americans  having  been  givun,  the  latter  glided  noiselessly  from  the 
Khore  into  the  stream,  while  the  boat,  resuming  the  direction  by  which  it  had 
approached,  was  impelled  down  the  river  with  as  little  noise  as  possible,  and 
hugging  the  shore  for  greater  seci'ecy,  was  soon  lost  both  to  the  eye  and  to 
the  ear. 

It  was  with  a  caution  rendered  necessary  by  the  presence  of  the  vessels  In 
the  harbor,  that  Gerald  Grantham  and  his  faithful  companion,  having  gained 
the  middle  of  the  river,  now  sought  to  approach  nearer  to  the  shore,  Tho 
night,  although  not  absolutely  gloomj',  was  yet  sufficiently  obscure  to  aid 
their  enterprize ;  and  notwithstanding  they  could  distinctly  hear  the  tread  of 
the  American  sentinels,  as  the)-  paced  the  deck  of  their  flotilla,  such  was  the 
stillness  of  Sambo's  practised  paddle,  that  the  little  canoe  glided  past  thcnt 
nnheard,  and,  stealing  along  the  shore,  was  enabled  to  gain  the  farther  cxtre- 
r>ity  of  the  town,  where,  however,  despite  of  the  most  .scrupulous  inspection, 
not  the  .slightest  evidence  of  a  collective  movement  was  to  bo  observed.  Re- 
collecting that  most  of  tho  American  boats  used  for  the  transport  of  their 
army  from  the  Canadian  .shore,  which  they  h.ad  occupied  for  some  time,  were 
drawn  up  on  tho  beach  at  the  opposite  end  of  the  town,  and  deeming  that  if 
any  attempt  on  the  batteries  was  in  contemplation,  the  troops  ordered  for  that 
duty  would  naturally  embark  at  a  point  whence  crossing  tlio  river  considerably 
above  the  object  of  their  expedition,  they  miiiht  drift  down  with  the  current, 
and  affect  a  landing  withoutnoise — he  determined  to  direct  his  course  between 
the  raerch.antmen  and  ves.sels  of  war,  and  pursue  his  v/ay  to  the  opposite  end 
of  the  town.  The  enterprize,  it  is  true,  was  lioM.  iunl  not  Viy  any  means  with- 
out hazard  ;  but  Grantham's  was  a  spirit  that  deli<r!it(!'l  in  oxciteuKmt,  and 
njoreover,  he  trusted  much  to  the  skill  of  his  jiilot.  the  daj-kness  of  tho  night, 
and  the  seeming  repose  of  the  enemy.     Even  if  seen  it  was  by  no  ineana 


71 


MATILDA     atONTOOMERIE;     OR, 


wrtairi  ho  shouM  bo  taken,  for  his  light  skifT  could  worm  its  \r«y  w?)<''M 
arioUiiT  (larod  not  fullow.  and  as  for  any  shot  that  niifijht  ho  sent  in  po'*- 
suit  of  tlicni,  its  aim  would,  in  tlio  obscurity  of  tlio  night,  bo  extremely 
unccrtii'n. 

Devoted  as  the, old  nejrro  was  to  Gerald's  will,  it  was  but  to  acquaint  h'r.n 
with  his  intention,  to  secure  a  comjdianoe  ;  altho  igh  in  this  case,  it  must  ho 
admitted,  areiuelant  one.  Cautiously  and  silently,  therefore,  the}'  moved  be- 
tween the  line  of  vessels,  keeping  as  dose  as  they  could  to  the  merchantmen, 
in  whioh  there  was  apparently  no  guard,  so  that  under  the  shadow  of  the  hullfi 
of  these  they  might  e.scapa  all  observation  from  the  more  watchful  vessels  of 
war  without.  They  had  cleared  all  but  one.  when  the  head  of  the  canoe 
suddenly  came  foul  of  the  hawser  of  the  latter,  and  was  by  the  checked  motion 
brought  round,  with  her  broadside  completely  under  her  stern,  in  the  cabin 
windows  of  which,  much  to  the  annoyance  of  our  adventurer,  a  liglit  was 
plainly  visible.  Rising  as  gently  as  he  could  to  clear  the  bow  of  the  light  skilT, 
he  found  his  head  on  a  level  with  the  windows,  and  as  his  eye  naturally  fell 
on  all  within,  his  attention  was  arrested  sullicieutlv  to  cau.se  a  .sign  from  him 
to  Sambo  to  remain  still.  The  cabin  was  spacious,  and  filled  everywhere  with 
female  forms,  who  were  lying  in  various  attitudes  of  repose,  while  the  wholo 
character  of  the  arrangements  was  such  as  to  induce  his  belief  that  tlio  vessel 
had  been  appropriated  to  the  reception  of  the  families  of  the  principal  inhabit- 
ants of  the  place,  and  this  with  a  view  of  their  being  more  .secure  jjrom  outrage 
from  the  Indians  on  the  ensuing  day.  In  the  midst  of  the  profound  repo.se  in 
which,  forgetful  of  the  dangers  of  the  morrow,  all  a])pe.'ire(l  to  bo  wrapped, 
there  was  one  striking  exception.  At  a  small  table  in  the  centre  of  the  cabin, 
sat  a  figure  envelopi'd  in  a  long  and  ample  dark  cloak,  and  covered  with  a 
slouched  hat.  There  was  nothing  to  indicate  sc.x  in  the  figure,  which  might 
have  been  taken  either  for  a  woman,  or  for  a  youth.  It  was  clear,  however, 
that  it  wanted  in  its  contour  the  proportions  of  manhood.  At  tlie  moment 
when  Ger.ald's  attention  was  first  arrested,  the  figure  was  occupied  in  reading 
a  letter,  which  was  afterwards  sealed  with  black.  The  heart  of  tlie  sailor  beat 
violently,  he  knew  not  wherefore,  but  before  he  could  explain  his  feelings  even 
to  himself,  he  saw  the  figure  deposit  the  letter,  and  remove,  ai>parently  from 
the  bosom  of  its  dress,  a  miniature,  on  which  it  gazed  intently  for  upwards  of 
a  minute.  The  back  being  turned  towards  the  windows,  he  could  trace  no 
expression  on  the  countenance,  but  in  the  manner  there  was  none  of  that  emo- 
tion, which  usually  accompanies  the  contemplation  of  the  features  of  a  beloved 
object.  Depositing  the  picture  in  the  folds  of  its  cloak,  the  figure  rose,  and 
with  a  caution  indicating  desire  not  to  disturb  those  wdio  slumbered  around, 
moved  through  the  straggling  forms  that  lay  at  its  feet,  and  ascending  the 
.stairs,  finally  disappeared  from  the  cabin. 

Somewhat  startled,  the  young  officer  hesitated  as  to  what  course  h^  .should 
pursue,  for  it  was  evident  that  if  the  figure,  whoever  it  might  prove,  should 
come  to  the  stern  of  the  vessel,  he  and  his  companion  must  be  discovered. 
For  a  moment  he  continued  motionless,  but  wi^h  ear  and  eye  keenly  on  tho 
alert.  At  length  he  f^xncied  he  heard  footsteps,  as  of  one  treading  the  loose 
plank  that  led  from  the  vessel's  side  to  the  wharf,  lie  pushed  the  canoe 
lightly  along  so  as  to  enable  him  to  get  clear  of  her  stern,  when  glancing  his 
eye  in  that  direction,  he  saw  the  figure,  still  in  the  same  dress,  quit  the  plank 
it  had  been  traversing,  and  move  rapidly  along  the  wharf  towards  the  ccptro 
of  the  town. 

Ruminating  on  the  singularity  of  what  ho  had  observed,  our  adventurer 
now  pursued  hi.s  course  up  the  river,  but  still  without  di.scovei-ing  any 
evidence  of  hostile  preparation.  On  the  contrary,  a  deep  silence  appeared  to 
pervade  every  part  of  the  town,  the  r  .pose  of  which  was  the  more  remark- 
tble.  as  it  was  generally  known  that  the  attack  on  the  fort  was  to  be  made  on 
the  following  day.  Arrived  opposite  the  point  where  the  town  terminated, 
drantham  could  distinctly  count  .some  twenty  or  thirty  large  boats  drawn  up 
on  tho  beach,  while  in  th'  Holds  beyond  the  drowsy  guard  evidently  stationed 


THE     PROPHECY     F  t  f .  F I L  L  E  O . 


75 


the 


there  foi  their  protection,  and  visible  hy  thi;  dyinsc  emlxTs  of  their  watcli-flrn, 
denoted  anything  hut  the  activity  which  slioiild  have  f;overiH!(l  an  ontcrpnzo 
of  the  nature  apprehended.     SatislU'il  tliat  the  iidorinition  conveyctd  to  his 
superiors  was  incorrect,  the  yoiui':;  ollict-r  disniis^ed  from  ids  niiml  all  further   . 
ftnxiety  on  the  suhjcct  ;  yet,  im{)elk'd  by  recollections  well  Indittiiif^  the  hour 
and  the  circumstances,  he  could  not  avoid  lin;j;erin;x  near  u  spot  win'cli  tradition   i 
had  invested  with  much  to  excite  the  itnai;ination  and  feeiinj;.     It  was  fami- 
har  to  his  memory,  for  he  had  frequently  heard  it  in  boyhood,  that  some 
dreadful  tragedy  had  in  fanner  days  l)een  perpetrated  nesir  this  hrid;j;e  ;  and 
he  had  reason  to  believe  that  some  of  the  actors  in  it  were  those  whose  blood 
flowed  in  liis  young  veins.     The  extreme  pain  it  seemed  to  j^ivo  his  parents, 
however,  wlienever  allusion   was   made   to  the  subject,  had  ever  repressed 
inquiry,  and  all  1ms  knowledf;e  of  these  events  was  conhned  to  what  he  had 
been  enabled  to  glean  from  the  aged  Canadians.     That  Sambo,  who  wa'-;  a 
very  old  servant  of  the  family,  had  more  than  hear-say  acquaintance  with  the 
circumstances,  he  was  almost  certain;  for  he  had  frequently  remarked,  when 
after  having  had  his  imagination,  excited  by  the  oft-told  tale,  he  felt  desirous 
of  visiting  the  spot,  the  negro,  obedient  in  all  things  else,  ever  found  some  ex- 
cuse to  avoid  accompanying  him,  nor,  within  his  own  recollection,  had  he  onco 
approached  the  scene.     Certain  vague  allusions  of  late  date,  by  the  old  man, 
had,  moreover,  confirmed  him  in  his  impression,  and  he  now  called  forcibly  to 
mind  an  observation  made  by  his  faithful  att(!ndai\t  on  the  night  of  then*  pur«  , 
suit  of  the  younger  Dcsborough,  which  evidently  referred  to  that  p(>riod.  : 
Even  on  the  present  occasion,  he  had  been  struck  hy  the  urgency  with  which 
he  contended  for  a  return  to  their  own  shore,  without  pursuing  their  course  to  . 
the  extreme  end  of  the  town  ;  nor  was  his  unwillingness  to  apjiroach  the 
bridge  overcome,  until  Gerald  told  him  it  was  the  positive  order  of  the  Commo-  • 
dore,  that  they  .should  embrace  the  whole  of  the  American  lines  in  their  in- 
spection, and  even  then  it  was  with  a  relaxed  vigor  of  arm  that  he  obeyed  thu 
instruction  to  proceed. 

Determined  to  sound  him  as  to  his  knowledge  of  tlie  fact.  Grantham  stole 
gently  from  the  bow  to  the  stern  of  the  canoe,  and  he  was  about  to  question 
him,  when  the  other,  grasping  his  arm  with  an  expressive  touch,  pointed  to  a 
dark  object  moving  across  the  road.  Gerald  turned  his  head,  and  beheld  tho 
same  figure  that  had  so  recently  quitted  the  cabin  of  the  merchantman. 
Following  its  movements,  he  saw  it  noiselessly  enter  into  the  grounds  of  a 
cottage,  opposite  an  old  taimcry,  where  it  totally  disappeare(h 

A  new  direction  was  nov  given  to  the  curiosity  of  the  sailor.  Expressing 
in  a  whisper  to  Sambo  his  aetermination  to  follow,  he  desired  liim  to  make  for 
the  shore  near  the  tannery,  beneath  the  shadow  of  which  lie  might  bo  secure, 
while  he  himself  advanced,  and  tracked  the  movements  of  the  mysterious 
wanderer. 

"  Oh  Massa  Geral,"  urged  tho  old  man  in  the  same  whisper — his  teeth 
chattering  with  fear — '"for  Ilebben's  .sake  he  no  go  ashore.  All  disa  place 
berry  bad,  and  dat  no  a  livin'  ting  what  he  see  yonder.  Do  Ma.ssa  Geral  take 
p",or  nigger  word,  and  not  go  dere  att'er  he  ghost." 

"  Na)'',  Sambo,  it  is  no  ghost,  but  flesh  and  blood,  for  I  saw  it  in  the  brig  wo 
were  foul  of  just  now  ;  howev-,  be  under  no  alarm.  Armed  as  I  am,  I  have 
nothing  to  fear  from  one  indivii.  lal,  and  if  I  am  seen  and  pursued  in  my  turn, 
it  is  but  to  .spring  in  again,  and  before  any  one  can  put  olf  in  cIksc,  we  shall 
have  nearly  reached  the  opposite  shore. — You  shall  remain  in  the  canoe  if  you 
please,  but  I  most  certainly  will  sec  where  that  figure  went." 

"  Berry  well,  Massa  Geral,"  and  the  old  man  spoke  piquedly.  although 
partly  re-assured  by  the  a.ssurance  that  it  wiis  no  ghost.  "If  he  t'.kc  he  poor 
nigger  wice  he  do  as  he  like ;  but  I  no  top  in  he  canoe  while  he  go  and  have 
him  troat  cut,  or  carry  oflby  a  debbil — I  dam  if  he  go,  I  go  too." 

This  energetic  rejoinder  being  conclusive,  and  in  no  wise  opposed  by  hi"? 
master,  the  old  man  made  for  the  shore  as  desired.  Both  having  disembarked, 
a  'jautious  e.\am.lnatioa  was  made  of  the  premises,  which  tending  to  satisfy  thena 


7a 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIR;    OR, 


tliat  nil  within  slumbered,  the  canoe  wns  secrclcfl  under  the  nhadow  of  th« 
cottage,  the  ailvciUurers  crossed  tlio  road  in  the  direction  taken  by  the  figure 
— .Satnho  following  close  in  tlie  rear  of  his  muster,  and  looking  occasionally 
hviiiind  liiiii.  not  with  the  air  of  one  who  fears  a  mortal  enemy,  hut  of  ono 
ratlicr  who  siirinks  from  collision  with  aspir"*:  of  another  world. 

The  front  grounls  of  the  cottaj^e  were  .separated  from  the  high  road  by  • 
fence  of  open  pallisades,  in  the  centre  of  which  was  a  small  gate  of  the  sarao 
discription.  It  was  evidently  tlirongh  this  latter  that  the  figure  had  disap- 
peared, and  as  its  entrance  ha<l  been  eflecfed  without  ellort,  Gerald  came  to 
the  conclusion,  on  findin;;;  the  latter  yiehl  to  his  touch,  that  this  was  the  abode 
of  the  midnight  wanderer.  Peihaps  some  young  American  officer,  whom  in- 
trigue or  frolic  had  led  forth  in  disguise  on  an  ex(;ursion  from  which  he  was 
now  relumed.  Ills  curiosity  was  therefore  on  the  point  of  yielding  to  tho 
prudence  which  dictated  an  innnediate  relinquishment  of  the  adventure,  when 
lie  felt  his  right  arm  sud<Ienl3'  seized  in  the  convulsed  and  tremt)ling  gra.sp  of 
his  attendant.  Turning  to  ascertain  the  cause,  he  beheld  as  distinctly  as  tho 
gloom  of  the  night  would  permit,  the  featiu'cs  of  the  old  man  worked  into  an 
e.vpression  of  horror,  while  trembling  in  every  joint,  he  pointed  to  the  monntl 
of  earth  at  the  far  extremity  of  the  garden,  which  was  known  to  contain  tho 
ashes  of  those  from  whom  his  imagination  had  been  so  suddenly  diverted  by 
the  reappearance  of  the  figure.  This,  owing  to  the  position  in  which  he  stood, 
had  hitherto  escaped  the  notice  of  the  officer,  whose  surprise  may  be  imagined, 
when,  looking  in  the  direction  j)ointed  out  to  him,  he  beheld  the  same  mufttea 
figure  rei)osing  its  head,  apjjarently  in  an  attitude  of  profound  sorrow, 
against  one  of  tho  white  tomb-stones  that  ro.sc  perpendicularly  from  the 
graves. 

That  Sambo  feared  nothing  which  emanated  not  from  tho  world  of  spirits, 
Grantham  well  knew.  It  therefore  became  his  ftrst  care  to  dismi.ss  frgm  tho 
mind  of  the  poor  fellow  the  superstitious  alarm  that  had  taken  care  of  every 
faculty.  From  their  proximity  to  the  party,  this  could  only  be  done  by  ener- 
getic signs,  the  progress  of  which  was  however  interrupted  by  their  mutual 
attention  being  diverted  by  a  change  in  the  position  of  the  figure,  which, 
tiirowing  itself  at  its  length  upon  the  grave,  for  a  moment  or  two  sobhea 
audibly.  Presently  afterwards  it  rose  abiaiptly.  and  wrapping  its  disgni.so 
more  closely  around  it,  quitted  the  mound  and  disappeared  in  the  rear  of  tho 
house. 

The  emotion  of  the  figure,  in  giving  evidence  of  it.s  materiality,  had,  more 
than  all  the  .signs  of  his  ma.'^^ter,  contributed  to  allay  the  agitation  of  the  old 
negro.  When  therefore  Gerald,  urged  by  his  irrepressible  curiosit}',  in  a 
whisper  declared  his  intention  to  penetrate  to  the  rear  of  the  hou.se,  he  was 
enabled  to  answer. 

'•  For  Goi-ramity's  sake.  Massa  Geral.  nebber  go  dare.  Dis  a  place  all  berry 
bad  n)r  he  family.  Poor  Sambo  hair  white  now  b\it  when  he  black  like  a 
qnirrcl  he  .see  all  a  dis  a  peop!e  kill — "  (and  he  pointed  to  the  mound)  ''  oh, 
berrv  much  blood  spill  here,  ^lassa  Geral.  It  makes  a  poor  nigger  heart  sick 
to  tiiik  of  it." 

Gerald  grasped  the  shoulder  of  the  old  man.  "  Sambo."  he  whi.spcred,  in 
the  same  low,  b>it  in  a  determined  tone,  "  I  have  long  thought  you  acquainted 
with  the  history  of  this  i)laco,  although  j'ou  have  eluded  my  desire  for  infor- 
mation on  the  subject.  After  the  admission  you  have  now  made,  however,  I 
expect  you  will  tell  me  all  and  everything  connected  with  it.  Not  now — fori 
am  resolved  to  see  who  that  singular  being  is,  whp  apparently,  like  myself, 
feds  an  interest  in  these  mouldeiing  bone.s.  As  you  perceive  it  is  no  ghost, 
bet  flesh  and  blood  like  ourselves,  stay  here  if  you  will,  until  I  rolarn ;  but 
poniething  more  must  I  see  of  this  mystery  before  I  quit  the  spot. 

Without  waiting  for  reply,  he  gently  pushed  the  unlatched  gate  before  him. 
It  opened  without  noise,  and  quitting  the  pathway  he  moved  along  the  green 
Bv«ard  in  the  direction  in  which  the  figure  had  disappeared.  Love  for  his 
lu-istcr,  even  more  than  the  super  ^-titious  awe  he  felt  on  bcin^  left  alone,  in  that 


THE     PROPUKOY     FULFILLED. 


T? 


mrmornblo  spot,  at  so  lute  an  hoiir,  [mt  an  end  to  the  indociKirtn  of  the  old 
man.  Entering  and  cnntioiisly  elosinjj;  llu-  gate.  In;  I'ollowed  in  the  footstej.H 
of  liirt  master,  and  botli  in  the  m-xt  minute  were  oppotiito  to  the  moynd  whero 
the  n;j,iire  had  Hrst  been  observed. 

Ah  lie  was  about  to  quit  the  grass,  and  enter  \ipon  the  travelled  walk  that 
led  to  tlie  rejir  of  the  cottiipe,  he  faueied  he  distiii.cuished  a  Hound  within,  si- 
luilur  to  tliat  of  a  door  cautiously  o|)(iiin.i;.  Pausin;^  atrain  to  !i,*ten,  bo  saw  ?. 
lijrht  stronnly  rellected  from  an  upper  window,  upon  what  had  Ibe  appear- 
ance of  a  court  yard  in  the  rear,  and  in  that  li;;ht  tlie  dark  shadow  ol  a  biunan 
form.  This  hf:  at  once  reeognisiul,  from  its  peculiar  costume  to  be  the  myste- 
rious porstm  who  bad  so  strongly  excited  his  curiosity.  Foranioment  or  two 
nil  was  obscurity,  when  again,  but  fi>>ma  more  distant  window,  the  saineliglit 
find  llguro  were  again  n  llected.  Presently  the  (igiu'e  disappeared,  but  tlio 
light  still  remained.  Impelled  by  an  uncontrollable  desire  to  l)ehoId  the  fea- 
tures, and  ascertain,  if  possible,  the  object  of  this  strange  wanderer,  the  young 
sailor  cast  his  eye  rapidly  in  search  of  the  means  of  raising  liimself  to  a  level 
with  the  window,  when,  nuich  to  his  satisfaction,  he  remarked  immediately 
beneath,  a  large  water  butt  which  wasfidly  adecpiate  to  the  ])uri)ose,  and  near 
this  a  rude  wooden  stool  which  would  enable  bim  to  gain  a  footmgonitsedge, 
without  exertion,  or  noise.  It  is  true  there  was  every  reason  to  l)elieve  that 
what  he  had  seen  was,  an  ofTicer  l)elonging  to  the  guarrl  stationed  in  the  ad- 
joining lield,  who  had  his  tempor.ary  residence  in  tliis  building,  and  was  now, 
after  the  prosecution  of  .some  love  adventure  returning  home;  but  iJerald 
could  not  reconcile  this  with  the  strong  emotion  he  bad  mauiiVsteil  near  the 
tomb,  and  the  startling  si-crecy  with  which,  even  when  be  had  entered,  bo 
movcil  along  his  own  apiirtments.  These  conlrailictions  wvm  stimulants  to 
the  gratilication  of  his  own  ciu'iosity,  or  interest,  or  whatever  it  might  l)e  ;  and 
although  he  could  nnt  conceal  from  himself  that  be  incurred  no  inconsiderable 
risk  from  observation,  by  the  jjarty  itself,  the  desire  to  see  into  the  interior  of 
the  apartment  ami  learn  something  further,  rose  paramount  to  all  considera- 
tion for  his  personal  safety.  His  first  care  now  was  to  disencumber  himself 
of  bis  shoes  and  cutlass,  which  he  gave  in  charge  to  Sambo,  with  directions  t(» 
the  latter  to  remain  Klationary  on  the  swanl,  kee[)inga  good  look-out  to  guard 
against  surprise.  As  by  this  arrangement  his  master  would  be  l«'pt  in  toler- 
able proximity,  the  old  negro,  whose  repugnance  to  be  left  alone  in  that  me- 
lancholy spot  was  invincible,  oifered  no  longer  an  objection,  and  fJerald, 
bracing  more  tightly  roimd  bis  loins,  the  belt  which  contained  his  jiistols.  pro- 
ceeded cautiously  to  ;-ieciu'e  the  stool,  by  the  aiil  of  which  he  speedily  found 
liis  feet  re.:ting  on  the  edge  of  the  water  butt,  and  bis  face  level  with  the  win- 
dow. This,  owing  to  the  activity  of  his  profe.ssional  habits,  he  bad  been  en- 
abled to  accomplish  withotit  perceptible  noise. 

The  scene  that  met  the  fixeii  gaze  of  the  adventurous  ofTit'er.  was  one  to 
startle  and  excite  in  no  ordinary  degree.  The  room  into  which  he  looked 
wa.s  square,  with  deep  recesses  on  the  side  wbiu'o  he  lingered,  formed  by  the 
projection  of  a  chimney  in  which,  however,  owing  to  the  sultry  season  of  the 
year,  no  traces  of  recent  fire  were  visible.  In  the  space  between  the  diiinney 
and  wall,  forming  the  innermost  recess,  was  [ilaced  a  rude  uncurtained  bed, 
nui  on  this  lay  extended,  and  delineated  ben-ath  the  coveri.ig,  a  human  form, 
the  upper  cxiremilies  of  v/liich  were  hidden  fiom  view  by  the  projecting  chim- 
ney. The  whole  attitude  of  repose  of  this  latter  indicated  the  uncousoiousness 
of  profound  slumber.  On  a  small  table  near  the  foot,  were  placed  several 
books  and  papers,  a  id  an  extinguished  candle.  Leaning  over  the  bed  and 
holding  a  small  lamp  which  had  evidently  been  brought  and  lighted  since  itr 
entrance,  stood  the  mysterious  figure  on  whom  the  interest  of  Gerald  had  Iteen 
■  so  .strongly  excited.  It  .seemed  to  be  gazing  inteutly  on  tlie  features  of  the 
sleeper,  and  more  than  once,  by  the  convulsed  movements  of  its  form,  betrayed 
intcn.se  agitation.  Onco  it  made  a  motion  as  if  to  awaken  the  person  on  whom 
it  gazed,  but  suddenly  chang-ng  its  purf  ose,  drew  from  its  dress  a  letter  which 
G«rak'  recognised  to  be  that  so  recently  prepared  in  the  cabin  of  the  bng. 


TO 


MAiiLDA   uon^qomekie;   or* 


Prcsmtl*  hnih  letter  nnd  lamp  wore  loposittvl  on  tlio  hrd,  and  in  nnoupraiRod 
hiunl  (if  tli(«  fifcurn  plcainod  tiio  })]:vk>  of  a  knifu  or  dftirpor,  while  the  left 
prasprd  ;ind  shook,  with  nn  cviiicnt  view  to  aronsi\  the  sleeper.  An  exda- 
iiijition  rtf  horror,  nccoinpiiiiii'd  by  ii  violent  strnj,'uU'  of  its  liinhs,  proclaimed 
reviviii!^  coiiscioiisnc.ss  in  tlio  latter.  A  low  wild  laiijrh  hurst  in  scorn  '"•oin 
the  lips  of  the  li;:;iir«,  and  the  stroii{!;ly  ntrved  arm  was  already  desccn  liiif;;  to 
Ktrike  its  assassin  lilow,  wlien  suddenly  the  pistol,  wliirli  CJcrald  hM<l  almost 
uneonseionsly  ooeked  and  raised  to  thu  window,  was  disrharped  with  a  loud 
explosion.  The  awakened  slumherer  \V!».  •  now  .wen  to  sji.  inp  from  the  bed  to 
the  lloor,  and  in  the  action  the  lamp  was  overturned  and  extinjiui.shcd ;  but 
all  stnia;nle  appeared  to  have  ceased. 

liewildeicfl  beyond  measure  in  his  reflection,  yet  secure  in  the  conviction 
that  ho  had  by  this  desjx'rate  stej)  sav(»d  the  life  of  a  human  beinji  from  the 
da;:<;er  of  the  assassin,  the  only  object  of  (icrald  n(»w  was  to  secure  himself 
from  the  consccpiences.  Sprinj^int?  from  his  position  Ik;  was  soon  at  the  sidu 
of  the  startled  Sambo,  who  had  witnessed  his  last  act  with  inconceivable  dis- 
may. Already  were  the  piuard  in  the  adjoininp;  Mclil,  alarmed  by  the  rejiort 
of  the  pistol,  hurryiu'Tj  to.vird  the  house,  when  they  reache<l  the  little  (rate, 
and  some  even  appeared  to  be  makini?  for  their  boats  on  the  beach.  With 
thes(!  motives  to  exertion,  lutither  (lerald  nor  the  old  ne;_'ro  were  likely  to  bo 
deficient  in  activity.  Benilin;;  low  as  they  crossed  the  road,  they  manapcd 
unperceived  to  reach  the  i)art  of  the  tanniTy  where  their  canoe  had  been  se- 
creted, nnd  Sambo  having  hastily  launched  it,  they  made  directly'  for  the  oppo- 
site shore,  unharmed  by  .some  fifteen  or  twentj'^  shots  that  were  iired  at  them 
by  the  }:;uar(l,  and  driftini;  down  with  the  current,  reached,  about  an  hour  be- 
fore dawn,  the  battery  from  which  they  liad  started. 


CHAriEIl  XII. 

At  day-break  on  the  morninp;  of  Sunday,  the  IGth  of  Atigr.st,  the  fire  from 
the  batteries  was  resumed,  and  with  a  fury  that  must  have  satisfieil  the  Ameri- 
can.", even  had  they  been  ijnioraut  of  the  purpose,  it  was  intended  to  cover 
Bome  ulterior  plan  of  operation  on  the  part  of  the  I'riti.sh  General.  Their  own 
object  appeared  rather  to  make  prei)ara(ion  of  defence  ugainst  the  thieatened 
assault,  than  to  return  a  cannonade,  which  bivvina;  attained  its  true  ran;!je.  ex- 
cessively atni03'ed  and  occasioned  them  much  loss.  Meanwhile  every  precau- 
tion had  been  taken  to  .secure  the  safe  transport  of  the  army,  'i'lie  flotilla, 
considerabl)-  supeiior  at  the  ont.set  of  the  war,  to  that  of  the  Americans,  had 
worked  up  the  river  durin;j;  the  ni<rht.  and.  anchored  in  the  middle,  lay  with 
their  broadsides  ready  to  opi'U  upon  any  force  that  might  appear  to  oppose 
the  liindiu!]:  of  the  troops,  while  numerous  .scows,  for  the  transport  of  a  light 
brigade  of  horse  artillery,  and  all  the  boats  nnd  battcaux  that  could  be  col- 
lected, added  to  those  of  the  fleet,  lay  covei'ing  the  sands.  rea<ly  to  receive 
ilieir  destined  burdens.  At  length  the  embarkation  \v;is  completed,  and  the 
signal  having  been  given,  the  several  divisions  of  boats  moved  oil"  in  the  order 
prescribed  to  them.  Never  diil  a  more  picturesque  .scene  present  ifself  to  the 
human  eye,  than  <luriug  the  half  hohr  occu^tiod  in  the  transit  of  this  little 
army.  The  sun  was  just  ri.sing  gloriously  and  unclouded,  as  the  first  divi.sion 
of  boats  pushed  from  the  shore,  nnd  ever}'  object  within  the  British  and 
American  line  of  operation,  teifded  to  the  production  of  an  efl'ect  that  wai-  little 
jn  unison  with  the  anticipated  issi:e  of  the  whole.  Not  a  breeze  ruflltd  the 
fair  face  of  the  phu-id  Detroit,  through  which  the  heavily  laden  boats  now 
made  their  slow,  but  certain  way ;  and  a  sjiectator  who,  in  utter  ignorance  of 
events,  might  have  been  su<Menly  placed  on  the  Canadian  bank,  would  havo 
been  led  to  imagine  that  a  fete,  not  a  battle,  was  intended.  Immediatily 
above  1U3  village  of  Sandwich,  and  in  full  view  of  the  American  Fort,  lay  tiw 


T  H  R     P  R  O  P  H  F,  C  V     F  U  L  F  I  I.  L  E  D . 


19 


ISnTli"*!!  nuHlla  nt  anchor,  their  white  sail-<  half  rlc wed  up,  Iheir  innat?*  docked 
^ilh  gay  pi-ndiuLs.  iiiid  their  tuUVjiils  with  erisij^iis  that  lay  droopiiij;  over 
th'ir  sti  riis  in  the  water,  as  if  too  iii(|(<!f  nt  to  hear  up  ajjaiti-it  tlie  mmiiip:  sul- 
triiMjasof  the  day.  IJelosv  these,  t^littenii'^  in  liri)j;ht  scurirt  tliat  ^^lowed  not 
tinpieasinjjly  on  the  silvery  stream,  llie  sun's  rays  daiicin;;  on  their  poli.slieil 
niurtkuta  aud  a-'eoutrenntnts,  };'liduil,  like  ^ay  aetors  in  an  u|)proa(*hin){  pa- 
fre.mt,  llie  eoluniUH  destined  for  the  assault — while  further  down,  and  <listiib- 
uled  fii'  and  wide  over  tin)  e.\[):inse  of  water,  were  to  he  seen  a  multitude  of 
Clio  8.  (iilel  with  Indian  wanJjrH,  whose  war  costume  could  not,  in  the  dis- 
tance, bo  di4tln;^iii>hed  from  that  of  the  dance — the  whole  i-ontrihiitin};,  willi 
the  uir  of  (piictude  on  both  shores,  and  absence  of  all  opposition  on  the  Amer- 
ican ospccially,  to  inspire  feeliuirs  of  joyousness  and  pleasure,  riither  than  tho 
ini'lauciioiy  c(»nse(pient  on  a  knowled;;(!  of  the  fuial  destination  of  tho  whole. 
Nor  would  tho  incessant  thinider  of  the  cannon  in  the  distance,  have  in  any 
way  diminished  this  impression;  for  as  the  volumes  of  smoke,  vojuitcd  from 
tiie  opp').-in,!^  batteries,  n»f't  and  wreathed  themselvs  toi^ether  in  the  centre  of 
the  streim,  leavin;;  at  intervals  the  ■ray  <'olors  of  Kn;;Iand  and  America 
])ri!j;htly  displayed  to  the  view,  tho  impression,  to  a  spectator,  would  havo 
been  that  of  one  who  witnes,ses  the  e.\elian;;e  of  military  lionors  between  two 
br.ave  and  friendly  powers,  preparin;^  the  one  to  coufvT.  the  other  to  receive  all 
the  becoming  courtesies  of  a  chivalrous  hospitality.  If  an\  thin;;  were  want- 
inj;  to  complete  the  illusion,  the  .soun<l  of  tl>e  early  mass  bell,  sununonin;;  to 
tho  worship  of  that  Ood  whom  no  pa;,;eantry  of  man  may  <lisposess  of  hom- 
n^e,  would  ami)ly  crown  and  heii^liten  the  elleet  of  tho  whole,  while  ttu!  cliant- 
in;;  of  the  hymn  of  adoration  would  appear  a  part  of  the  worship  of  the  De- 
ity, and  of  the  pa;;eantry  itself. 

Vying  each  with  the  otlicr  who  .sliould  first  p;ain  the  land,  the  c.vertions  of 
the  several  rowers  inereaswl,  as  the  di.tance  to  be  traversed  diininislie<l,  ,so 
that  many  arrived  simultaneoii.sly  at  the  ln'ach.  Forming;  in  close  column  of 
BJClions  as  they  landed,  the  rou;ular  troops  uecujiied  the  road,  their  ri;j;lit  flank 
rcstin;;  on  the  river,  while  a  strons;  body  of  Indians  under  Koinul-head,  Sj)lit- 
lo^,  and  \V'alk-in-llie-water.  scouring;;  the  opci'.  :ountry  beyond,  completely 
guarded  their  l.ft  from  surprise.  Anionj;  tho  liirf  (o  reach  the  shon;,  was  thf5 
gallant  (Icneral,  the  planner  of  the  enterprise,  who,  with  his  personal  stall", 
crossed  the  river  in  the  barjije  of  the  Commodore,  steero;Pby  that  otlicor  hiin- 
Belf,  Dunmj;  the  slioit  period  that  the  columns  were  delayed  for  the  landini; 
of  the  artillery,  necessarily  .slower  in  their  movements,  a  ,sl)ort  conference 
amonaj  the  leaders,  to  whom  were  added  Tecnmseh  and  Oolouel  D'ELTville.  as 
to  their  linal  o[)erations,  took  place.  Never  did  the  noble  Indian  appear  to 
greater  advantage  than  on  this  occasion.  A  neat  liuntiny;  dress,  of  smoked 
deer-skin,  han.lsoinely  ornamented,  covered  his  fine  and  athletic  person,  while 
tlio  swarthiness  of  his  check  and  dazzlinp;  lustre  of  his  eye  were  admirably 
set  oil",  not  only  by  the  snow-white  linen  which  hung  loose  and  open  about 
his  throat,  but  by  a  full  turban,  in  which  waved  a  splendid  white  ostrich 
feather,  the  much  prized  gift,  as  we  have  already  (ybserved,  of  Mrs.  D'Egville, 
Firmly  seated  on  his  long-tailed  grey  charger,  which  he  manaired  with  a  dex- 
ter'ty  uncommon  to  his  race,  his  warrior  and  commanding  uir  might  have 
called  up  the  image  of  a  Tamerlane,  or  fienghis  Khan,  were  it  not  known  that, 
to  the  more  savage  qualities  of  these,  ho  united  others  that  would  lend  lustre 
to  the  most  civilized  potentates.  There  was.  however,  that  ardor  of  expres- 
sion in  his  eye  which  rumor  had  a.scribed  to  him,  wdienevcr  an  appeal  to  arras 
against  the  deadly  foe  of  his  country'  was  about  to  be  made,  that  could  not 
fail  to  endear  him  to  the  soldier  hearts  of  tlioso  who  stood  around,  and  to  in- 
spire them  with  •  veneration  and  esteem,  not  even  surpassed  by  what  they 
entertained  for  their  own  immediate  leader,  who  in  his  turn,  animated  by  tho 
inspiriting  scene  and  conlident  in  his  own  powers,  presented  an  appearance 
BO  anticipiatory  of  coming  succos.s,  that  the  least  sanguine  could  not  fail  to  bo 
cuooura.2;ed  by  it. 

It  bad  liQua  arranged  that,  on  the  landing  of  the  troopg  the  flotilla  should 


80 


MATILDA     MONTGOSIEniE;    OR, 


ftfrain  vrci^h  ntii^hor,  anrl  npjiT-oacl.  a;;  nnnr  as  po>:sibl(!  to  tlio  American  fort. 
Nvith  a  vitM'',  in  conjiincuon  \'',  li  the  battorirs,  to  a  rross-firc  that  would  cover 
th«  ftpproacli  of  the  assaultmj;;  oolinnns.  The  Imlians,  moanwhilo,  were  to 
disperse  themselves  throu-rliout  tie  .'IJrts  of  (ho  for.^st,  and,  headed  \y  the 
Chiefs  ah'eady  named,  to  advance  iukUt  wliatever  they  might  find  in  the 
shape  of  liedi^es.  eliimps  of  trees,  or  fields,  f 'iHiciently  near  to  maintain  a 
heavy  tiro  fi-oiii  their  rifles  on  snr^h  force  as  ini;j:lit  appear  on  the  ran.parts  to 
oppose  the  assault — ;v  taslc  in  whicli  they  wore  to  he  assisted  l)v  tlie  brigade 
of  light  guns  (•harge(l  with  shrapnoll  and  grape.  Teenmseh  himself,  aceom- 
panied  by  Colonel  D'Egvillo,  was.  with  the  majority  of  his  warrioi-s,  to  gain 
the  rear  of  the  town,  there  to  art  as  oireumstances  might  require.  To  this,  as 
an  inferior  post,  the  Cliieftain  had  at  tirst  strongly  olijoeted  ;  but  when  it  was 
represented  to  'mi'.  that  the  enemy,  with  a  view  to  turn  the  English  llank  on 
the  forest  side.  ..-ould  probably  detaeh  in  that  direction  a  strong  fon-e,  which 
ho  would  liavc  the  exclusive  merit  of  en'^ountering.  he  (inallv  assente.l ;  urged 
to  it,  as  he  was,  nioreover.  by  tlie  consiileration  that  liis  presence  wouUl  be 
otlVetual  in  repressing  any  attempt  at  massacre,  or  outrage,  of  tlio  liclplus."  in- 
habitants, by  liis  wild  and  excited  bands. 

The  guns  being  at  length  disembarked  and  liniberedj  everything  was  now 
in  reauiness  for  the  advance,  'i'hc  horses  of  the  General  and  his  stall"  had 
crossed  in  the  scows  appropriated  to  the  artillery,  an<l  liis  favorite  charger, 
being  now  brought  \ip  by  his  groom,  the  former  mounted  with  an  activity  and 
vigor,  not  surpassed  even  by  the  yo  .  est  of  his  aides-de-camp,  while  his  linfl 
and  martial  form,  towered  above  those  around  him,  in  a  manner  to  excite  ad- 
miralioii  in  all  who  beheld  him.  Giving  his  brief  instructions  to  his  scond 
in  command,  he  now  grasped  and  shook  the  hand  of  his  (iai'k  brother  in  anns, 
who,  putting  spiM's  to  his  horse,  dashed  ofli>  with  Colonel  D'Egvillo  into  tho 
open  coimtry  on  the  left,  in  tho  direction  taken  by  his  warrior.s,  M-liile  tho 
General  and  his  staff,  boldly,  and  without  escort,  pursued  their  way  along  tho 
high  ro'id  at  a  bi'isk  trot.  The  Commodore  in  liis  tm-n,  sprang  once  nioro 
into  liis  bai-ge,  wliich.  impelled  by  stout  heart.',  and  vvillii'g  hands,  was  soon 
seen  to  gain  the  side  of  the  principal  vessel  of  the  litt'io  squadron,  which, 
napidl}-  getting  under  weigh,  had  already  loosened  its  sails  to  catch  the  light, 
yet  favorable  breeze,  iiow  beginning  to  curl  the  surface  of  the  river. 

During  all  this  time,  the  cannon  from  our  batterios.  but  faintly  nnswercd  by 
tho  Americans,  had  continued  to  thunder  without  intermission,  and  as  tho 
columns  drew  nearer,  each  succeeding  disch.avge  came  npon  the  ear  with  in- 
creased and  more  exciting  loudness.  Hitherto  the  view  had  been  obstrticted 
by  the  numerous  farm  liouses  and  other  buildings,  that  .skirted  the  windings 
of  the  road,  but  when  at  length  the  colunm  emerged  into  more  open  ground, 
the  whole  scene  burst  splendidly  and  iir.posingly  tipon  the  siglit.  Within 
half  a  mile,  and  to  the  left,  rose  the  American  ramparts,  Furmounted  by  tho 
national  Hag,  suspend(-d  from  a  staff  planted  on  the  identical  spot  wliich  had 
been  tli.-  scene  of  the  fearful  exploit  of  W.acousta  in  former  days,  liristling 
^rith  cannon,  tiier  seemed  now  to  threaten  with  extermination  those  who 
should  have  the  temerity  to  approach  them,  and  the  men,  awed  into  silence, 
regarded  them  with  a  certain  air  of  respect. 

Close  under  the  town  were  anchored  the  American  vessels  of  war,  wliich, 
however,  having  taken  no  jiart  in  rcMirning  the  bombardment,  had  been  left 
unmolested  across  the  river ;  and  m  full  view  of  all,  was  to  be  seen  the  liigh 
ground  where  the  batteries  had  been  erected,  and,  visible  at  such  intervals  as 
the  continuous  clouds  of  smoke  and  Hashes  of  tiro  would  permit,  the  Union 
Jack  of  England  floating  above  the  whole  ;  while  in  the  river  and  immwlintcly 
opposite  to  the  point  the  columns  had  now  reached,  the  English  flotilla,  which 
had  kept  pace  with  their  movements,  wore  already  taking  np  a  position  to 
commence  their  raking  fire. 

It  was  on  reaching  this  point  of  the  road,  that  the  British  "orce,  obedient  to 
the  command  of  the  General,  who.  from  a  farm-house  on  the  left,  was  then 
examining  the  American  defences,  filed  oil'  pa.st  the  house  iuto  a  large  Held, 


THE     PROPHECY     ,'   U  L  F  I  L  L  E  D. 


83 


:*ftn  fort, 
Id  cover 
wore  to 

'.y  the 
1  ill  the 
nuiin  a 
parts  to 
lirij^ado 

aoc(t>n- 
to  fjain 

this,  as 

n  it  was 

aiik  on 

wliicli 
;  tirgod 

OUIti  1)0 

tic'sy  In- 


larji-or. 


prcprvralory  to  formlnj;  into  column  to  attack.  Scarcely,  liowevor,  liad  tha 
iHt^.icral  dosccndcd  to  tlic  field  to  make  his  dispositions,  when  it  was  observed 
♦  jftt  the  batteries  had  suddenly  discontiTuied  tlieir  lire,  and  on  lookinij;  to  as- 
certain the  cause,  a  white  ilaj;  was  .seen  wavim!;  on  the  einnience  where  th« 
heavy  jijiuis  just  alluded  to  had  been  placed.  Wliile  all  were  expressinj;  their 
surprise  at  this  unexpected  circumstan<;o.  Do  Courcy,  who.  by  the  direction  of 
his  General,  hail  remained  rccoinioitrinjj;  at  the  top  of  the  hon,se,  announced 
that  an  ollicer,  bearins;  a  smaller  wliite  Hag,  wa.s  then  de.sconding  the  road, 
v.'ith  an  evident  view  to  a  parley. 

"  Ah  !  is  it  even  so  ?"  exclaimed  the  General  with  vivacity,  as  if  to  himself. 
"Quick  !  my  horse — I  miist  po  to  meet  hini.  Captain  Stanley — l)e  Courcy — 
mount'  St.  ilulian,"  turning;  to  his  second  in  command,  "  linish  what  I  hava 
besrun — let  the  columns  bo  got  ready  in  the  order  I  have  directed.  Wc  may 
have  ncc'l  of  them  yet." 

bo  .'^'ying  he  once  more  sprang  into  his  saddle,  and  accompanied  by  his 
young  aides-de-camp,  galloped  past  the  line  of  adiniring  troojis,  who  involun- 
tarily rheend  lum  as  he  passed  ;  and  quitting  the  field,  hastened  to  reach  the 
Hag,  before  the  bearer  could  appioa 'ii  suUiciently  near  to  make  an}'  correct 
observation  respecting  his  force. 

Nearly  twenty  minutes  of  anxious  suspense  had  .succeeded  the  departure  of 
the  ofliccr,  when  Do  Courcy  again  made  his  appearance  at  full  speerl. 

"  Ilvirrah  !  hurrah  !"  ho  shouted,  as  he  apjjroached  a  group  of  his  moro 
immef'iate  companions,  who  were  canva.ssing  the  probable  terminaLion  of  thi-H 
pacific  demonstration  on  the  part  of  the  cnem}' — ''  the  fort  is  our  own"  (then 
turning  to  the  .second  m  command,)  "Colonel  St.  Julian,  it  is  the  General's 
desire  that  tlie  men  pile  their  arn.s  on  the  ground  they  occupy,  and  refresh 
tbtmselvcs  with,  whatever  thei"  'lavcrsacks  contain." 

"  IIow  is  tl'.i.s,  Do  Courcy  ?" — "Surely  the  Americans  do  not  capitulate?" 
— "  Is  it  to  be  cjiild's  play,  after  all  ?" — were  among  the  various  remarks 
made  to  the  young  aide-de-camp,  on  his  return  from  the  delivery  of  the  last 
order. 

"  Heaven  only  know.s  how,  Granville,"  said  the  vivacious  ofliccr.  in  re]yly  *« 
the  first  (juerist  :  '•  but  certainly  it  is  .'something  very  like  it,  for  the  General, 
•ccompanied  by  Stanley,  has  entered  the  town  under  the  Hag.  However.  l>e- 
forc  we  di.seuss  the  subject  further,  I  vote  th.at  we  enter  the  farm-Iiouse,  ami 
discuss  wherewith  to  .satisfy  our  own  appetites — I  saw  a  devilish  pretty  girl 
just  now,  one  who  seemed  to  have  no  sort  of  objection  to  a  handsome  .scarlet 
uniform,  whatever  her  predilections  for  a  blue  with  red  facings  may  formerly 
have  been.  S'le  looked  so  cood-naturetlly  on  Stanley  and  myself,  that  wo 
should  !;;:vo  o/led  her  into  a  breakfast  ere  this,  had  not  the  General  sworn  ho 
would  not  break  his  fa'-t  until  he  had  planted  the  colors  of  England  on  yon 
fortv'ss  or  tailed  in  the  attempt.  Of  course  we,  as  young  hei-oes,  could  not 
think  t-  CO  ling  after  that.  But  come  along — nay,  Cranstoun,  do  not  look  aa 
if  you  vere  afraid  to  budge  an  inch  without  an  order  in  wrilni<r. — I  have  it 
in  suggestion  from  Colonel  St.  Julian,  that  we  go  in  and  do  the  best  we  can." 

The}'  now  entered  and  asked  for  breakfast,  when  bread,  eggs,  milk,  fruit, 
cider,  -".nd  whatever  the  remains  of  yesterday's  meal  allbrdcd,  were  succes- 
sively brought  forward  by  the  dark-eyed  daUL'hter  of  the  farmer,  who,  as  D« 
Courcy  hatl  remarked,  .seemed  by  no  means  indisposed  towards  the  gay  look- 
ing invaders  of  her  home.  There  was  a  recklessness  about  the  carriage  of  moat 
of  those,  and  even  a  foppery  about  some,  that  was  likely  to  be  anything  but 
displeasing  to  a  young  girl,  who.  French  Canadian  by  birth,  although  living 
under  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  possessed  all  the  natural  vivacity 
of  character  peculiar  to  the  original  stock.  Notwithstanding  the  pertinacity 
>vith  which  her  aged  father  lingered  in  the  room,  the  handsome  and  elegiint 
De  Courcy  contrived  more  than  once  to  address  her  in  an  under  tone,  ami 
elicit  a  blu.sh  that  greatly  heightened  the  brilliant  expression  of  her  large  black 
eyes  and  Villiers  subsequnitly  declared  that  he  had  remarked  the  air  of  joy* 


{« 


MATILDA     MONT COM KRIE;     OR, 


onsncsf  nii<1  (liuniph  tlint  pcrvadi'dlier  fcaturoR,  on  the  j'otinf  aulo-decamp 

[mxnisiiiu:  to  rctiiiu  to  the  farm  as  soon  as  the  place  }iatl  boon  entered,  an(k 
eisiirc  allordod  him. 

'-  Iliu  tho  particulars  of  the  flap;,  Do  Courny."  said  Captain  Granville,  as  ho 
devoured  a  hard-lioilwi  turkey  cix^,  whi<'h  iii  quantity  fully  made  np  for  what 
It  wanted  inquality.  '•  Wlien  you  have  fuiislied  llirtinj>;\vitii  that  unfortunato 
pirl,  come  and  seat  yourself  quietly,  and  tell  us  what  jjassed  between  tho 
General  and  the  otiicer  who  bore  it.  Why,  I  thought  you  had  a  devil  of  an 
ftpfii'fite  just  now." 

"Ah.  true!"  returned  (ho  younp,  man,  takinsj;  his  se.it  at  the  rude  nakc<! 
table  which  bore  their  meal.  ''I  h.ad  quite  forirottcn  my  appetite — mais  pa 
viemini  ai  i>i(m<r<'iit,  n^'st  ce  pas  ?"  and  he  looked  at  the  young  girl. 

•'  Plait  //,  Moii.sirHi-  ?" 

"  He  silent,  my  daughter,  they  are  not  speaking  to  you,"  gruffly  remarked 
her  father. 

"  The  old  boy  i.s  heroming  .savage  at  your  attentions,"  remarked  Villiers, 
•*yon  will  get  the  girl  into  a  scrape." 

"Bah!"  ejaetdated  l)e  Courcy.  " Well,  but  of  the  General.  Who,  think 
you,  was  the  bearer  of  tlie  flag  ?  No  otlier  than  that  fine-looking  fellow, 
Colonel — wlial's  his  name,  who  came  to  us  the  other  d.ay." 

"  Indeed,  singular  enough.  What  said  the  General  to  him  on  meeting  ?" 
asked  Henry  Grantham. 

'• '  Well.  Colonel,'  said  he  smiling,  '  you  see  I  have  kept  my  word.  This  is 
tlie  day  on  which  1  j)roniised  that  we  should  meet  again.' 

'•What  answer  did  he  make?"  demanded  Villiers. 

"  'True,  General,  and  most  happily  have  you  chosen.  But  one  day  sooner, 
and  we  should  have  dared  your  uttnost  in  our  strongliold.  To-day,'  .  "  '  )io 
.spoke  in  a  tone  of  dee[i  mortification,  '  we  have  not  resolution  left  t(  Tin'  a 
show  even  in  vindication  of  our  honor.  In  a  word,  I  am  here  to  coi^iJv.ct 
you  to  those  who  will  oiler  terms  derogatory  at  once  to  our  national  character, 
and  insulting  to  oui'  i)i~rsonaI  courage.' 

"  The  General,"  pursued  Dc  Courcy,  "respecting  the  humiliated  manner 
of  the  American,  again  bowed,  but  said  nothing.  After  a  moment  of  pause, 
the  latter  slated  that  tlie  Governor  and  Commander  of  th<!  fortress  were 
waiting  to  receive  and  confer  witli  liim  as  to  the  terms  of  capitulation.  All  I 
know  further  is,  that,  attended  by  Stanley,  he  has  accompanied  the  fir.g  into 
the  town,  and  that,  having  no  immediate  occasion  for  my  valuable  services,  he 
Bent  me  back  to  give  to  Colonel  St.  Julian  tho  order  you  have  heard." 

The  deep  roll  of  the  drum  summoning  to  fall  in,  drew  them  eagerly  to  their 
respective  divisions.  Captain  Stanley,  the  senior  aide-de  camp,  was  just  re- 
turned with  an  order  for  the  several  columns  to  advance  and  take  up  tlieir 
ground  close  under  the  ramparts  of  the  fort. 

It  was  an  interesting  and  a  novel  sight,  to  see  the  comparatively  insignifi- 
cant British  cohnnns.  flanked  by  the  lialf  dozen  hght  guns  wliich  constituted 
their  whole  artillery, advance  across  the  field,  and  occupy  the  plain  or  comjnon 
surrounding  the  fort,  while  the  Americans  on  tiie  ramparts  appeared  to  regard 
with  indignation  and  surprise  the  mere  handful  of  men  to  whom  they  were 
about  to  be  surrendered.  Such  a  jdienomenon  in  isiodorn  warfare  as  that  of  a 
weak  besieging  force  bearding  a  'Wronger  in  their  hold,  might  well  excite  asto- 
nishment ;  and  to  an  army,  tlirice  as  numerous  as  its  captors,  occupying  a 
fortress  well  provided  with  cannon,  as  in  this  instance,  must  have  been 
e.specially  galling.  More  than  one  of  tlie  oflicers,  as  he  looked  down  from  his 
loftier  and  more  advantageous  position,  showed  by  tl>e  scowl  that  lingered  on 
his  brow,  how  willingly  lie  would  have  applied  the  match  to  the  nearest  gini 
whose  ])ro\imity  to  his  enemies- p. oniised  annihiliation  to  their  ranks.  But 
Mic  white  llag  still  waved  in  the  distance,  affording  perfect  security  to  those 
■^'lio  had  wnfldoJ  in  their  honor,  and  although  liberty,  and  prosperity,  and 
glory  were  the  sa:rir<ce,  that  honor  might  not  be  tarni.she:i 


wi 
wi 

Ai 

CI) 

(1. 
dr 

ad 

an 

W: 


THE     PROPIIECV     FULFILLED. 


83 


lule-decamp 
entered,  aixi 

uiville,  as  ho 

"p  fur  what 

iinfoT'tnuato 

bftweoii  the 

a  devil  of  an 

ru(le  nako«! 
e — inaia  ga 
girl. 

y  remarked 

^ed  Villiers, 

Who,  think 
kin;;  fellow, 

meeting  ?" 

IxJ      This  13 

day  sooner, 
!iy,'  ,,"  '  he 
.  t<  M)a'  a 
to  tOLi  ret 
1  character, 

ed  manner 
it  of  pause, 
rtress  ware 
ion.  All  I 
lie  lliig  into 
services,  he 
rd." 

fly  to  their 
%TSJiist  ro- 
te up  their 

y  insignifi- 
.'onstituted 
•r  compion 
I  to  regard 
they  were 
s  that  of  a 
xcitc  aRt(v 
oiipying  a 
lave  been 
I  from  his 
ngered  on 
?urc.st  gun 
iks.     Bus 
y  to  those  • 
erity,  anJ 


At  li^ngth  the  terms  of  capitulation  bt-ing  finally  ail  justed.  Dc  Couroy,  who. 
with  liH  lirothcr  aid-de-cainp,  had  long  since  rejoined  the  General,  came  up 
with  instruction  for  a  guanl  to  enter  and  take  possession  jireparatory  to  the 
Americans  marching  out.  Dclachinerits  from  the  ilank  companies,  under  the 
comnmn  I  of  Captain  (Ivanviiie,  with  wiiom  wore  Middlemoro  and  Henry 
(liantham.  were  selected  for  the  <luty,  and  these  now  moved  forward,  with 
drums  beating  and  colons  Hying,  towards  the  drawbridge  then  lowering  to 
admit  them. 

The  area  of  the  fort  in  no  way  enlarged,  and  but  slightly  change<l  in  appear- 
ance, since  certain  of  our  readers  first  madeac(iuaintance  with  it  in  WacAusta, 
was  filled  with  tr(M)ps,  and  otherwise  exhibited  all  the  confusion  inci<ldnt  to 
preparations  for  an  immediate  evacuation.  These  preparations,  however,  were 
made  with  a  savageuess  of  mien  by  the  irregulars,  and  a  sullen  silence  by  all, 
that  attested  how  little  their  inclination  had  been  consulted  in  the  decision  of 
their  (jhitf  Many  an  oath  was  muttered,  and  many  a  fierce  glance  wa«  cat.t 
by  the  angry  back-woodsmen,  upon  the  little  detachment  a.s  it  pursued  its 
way,  not  without  difliculty,  through  the  dense  masses  that  seemed  rafher  to 
oppose  than  aid  their  advance  to  the  occupancy  of  the  several  posts  a.ssigned 
them. 

One  voice,  deo[)cst  and  most  bitter  in  its  half  suppres.sed  execration,  came 
familiarly  on  the  ear  of  Henry  Grantham,  who  brought  up  the  rear  of  the  de- 
tachment, lie  turned  quickl}'  in  search  of  the  speaker,  but,  although  he  felt 
persuaded  it  was  De.sborough  wlio  had  spoken,  coupling  his  own  name  even 
with  his  curses,  the  ruflian  was  nowhere  to  be  seen.  Satisfied  that  he^  mH.st 
be  within  the  Fort,  and  determined  if  possible,  to  .secure  the  murdcrcrwh* 
had,  moreover,  the  double  crime  of  treason  and  desertion,  to  be  adde<J  to  hia 
list  of  ofl'encoSy  the  young  officer  moved  to  the  head  of  the  detachment  when 
lialteil,  and  communicated  what  he  heard  to  Captain  Granville.  Entering  at 
once  into  the  views  of  his  subaltern,  and  anxious  to  make  an  example  of  the 
traitor,  yet  unwilling  to  act  whoU}'  on  his  own  responsibility,  Captain  Gran- 
ville dispatched  an  orderly  to  Colonel  St.  Julien  to  receive  his  instructions. 
The  man  soon  returned  with  a  message  to  say  that  Dcsborough  was  by  all 
means  to  be  detaim-d.  and  secured,  until  the  Geiicral,  who  was  still  absent, 
should  determme  on  his  final  disi)0,sal. 

Meanwhile  the  sentinels  at  the  .several  posts  having  been  relieved,  and  every 
thing  ready  fn-  thc'r  departure,  the  American  army,  leaving  their  arms  piled 
in  the  ania.  conimeiK;ed  their  evacuation  of  the  Fort,  the  artillery  and  troops 
of  the  line  taking  the  lead.  Watchfully  alive  to  the  order  that  had  been  re- 
ceived, Captain  Granville  and  Henry  Grantham  lingered  near  the  prate,  re- 
garding, yet  with  an  air  of  carelessness,  every  countenance  among  the  irregular 
troops  as  they  issued  forth.  Hitherto  their  search  ha<l  been  ineffectual,  and 
to  their  great  surprise,  aUhough  the  two  la.st  of  the  prisoners  wc^e  no\» 
in  the  act  of  passing  them,  there  was  not  the  slightest  trace  of  Dcsborough. 
It  was  well  known  that  the  fort  had  no  other  outlet,  and  any  man  attempting 
to  escape  over  the  ramiiarts,  must  have  been  seen  au'l  taken  either  by  the 
troops  or  by  the  Indians,  who  in  the  fir  distance  completely  surroundeti  them. 
Cap.aiu  Granville  intimated  the  possibility  of  Henry  Grantham  having  been 
deceived  in  the  voice,  but  the  latter  as  pertinaciously  declared  he  could  not  bo 
mistaken,  for,  idependently,  of  his  former  knowledge  of  the  man.  his  tones 
had  so  jieculiarly  struck  him  on  the  day  when  he  made  boastful  confession 
of  his  father's  murder,  that  no  fime  could  etface  them  from  his  njemory.  This 
short  disi'ussion  terminated  just  ;is  the  last  few  files  were  passing.  Immedi- 
ately ill  the  rear  of  these  were  the  litters,  on  which  were  borne  siTch  <>f  the 
wounded  as  ckuIcI  be  removed  from  the  hospital  withort  danger.  Tlir.se 
were  some  thirty  in  number,  and  it  seemed  to  both  officers  as  .somewhat  sin- 
puiar,  that  the  faces  of  all  were,  in  defiance  of  the  heat  of  the  day,  covered 
wi'.ii  the  sheets  that  lia<l  been  spread  over  each  litter.  For  a  moment  tlie 
suspicion  occurred  to  Grantham,  that  DesVjorough  might  be  of  the  number; 
but  when  he  rcUected  on  the  impo.ssibility  that  any  of  the  wounded  men 


M 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE:     OR, 


.ijOOuld  he  tl»c  same  whose  voice  liad  sounded  so  recently  in  the  full  vigor  of 
V  health  in  Uin  car,  ho  ahandoned  the  idea.  Most  of  the  wounded,; as  they 
L'^^pftssed,  indicated  by  low  and  feeble  moaning,  the  inconvouience  they  expcri- 
3,<nced  from  the  motion  to  which  they  were  subjected,  and  more  or  less  ex« 
'^.pressed  by  the  contortions  of  their  limhs^  the  extent  of  tlieir  sulfiTings.  An 
jl  exception  to  this  very  natural  conduct  was  remarked  by  Grantham,  in  the 
\  person  of  one  occupyins;  nearly  a  central  position  in  the  lirtc,  who  was  carried 
^...with  difliculty  by  the  litter-men.  He  lay  perfectly  at  his  length,  and  without 
^■Mny  exhibition  whatever  of  that  impatient  movement  which  escaped  his  com- 
\  panions.  ,  ()n  the  watchful  eye  of  Grantham,  this  conduct  was  not  lost.  Ho 
|rJ|jad  felt  a  strong  inclination  from  the  first,  to  uncover  the  faces  of  the  wounded 
j^jrinen  in  succession,  and  had  only  been  restrained  from  so  doing  by  the  presence 
y^  of  the  American  medical  ofHcer  who  accompanied  them,  whom  ho  feared  to 
tjrOfFend  by  an  interference  with  his  charge.  Struck  as  he  was  however  by  the 
,,  remarkable  conduct  of  the  individual  alluded  to.  and  the  aparently  m!ich 
jj  ^greater  ellbrt  with  which  he  wa3  carried,  ho  could  not  resist  the  temptation 
•„ which  urged  him  to  know  more. 

"Stay,"  he  exclaimed  to  the  bearers  of  the  littei',  as  ihey  were  in  the  act 
^;<(0f  passing.  The  men  stoppc«l.  "This  man,  if  not  dead  is  evidently  cither 
,-; dying  or  fainting— give  him  air." 

^  While  speaking  he  advanced  a  step  or  two,  and  now  extending  his  right 
Jjrliand  endeavored  gently  to  pull  down  the  sheet  from  the  head  of  the  invalid, 
^.but  the  attempt  was  vain.  Two  strong  and  nervous  arms  were  suddenly 
rf.faised  and  entwined  in  the  linen,  in  a  manner  to  resist  all  hi  •.  cflbrts. 
J,.  Grantham  glanced  an  oxpre^ssive  look  at  Capt-ain  Granville.  The  latter 
(.fjflodded  his  head  in  a  manner  to  show  he  was  undt-rstood,  tho..  desiring  tho 
i  Jitter-men  to  step  out  of  the  line  and  deposit  their  burden,  he  said  to  the  nie- 
-_;4ical  officer  with  the  sarcasm  that  so  often  tinged  his  address. 

"I  beljeve,  sir,  your  charge  embraces  only  the  wounded  of  the  garrison 
;l'^iis  dead  man  can  only  be  an  incumbrance  to  you  i>nd  it  shall  be  my  care 
i^:|Jiat  his  body  is  properly  disposed  of." 

.  ,  A  signal  was  made  by  him  to  the  file  of  men  in  his  rpa*-,  who  each  seizing 
',  on  the  covering  of  the  litter,  dragged  it  forcibly  off,  disc>/>ve»'ing  in  the  act  tlu 
^ifobust  and  hculthy  form  of  Desborough. 

•J  "  You  may  pass  on,"  continued  tlie  officer  to  the  remaJnde'*  of  the  party 
•■  **  This  fellow,  at  once  a  murderer  and  a  traitor,  is  my  prison^'r  " 

•  "  Ua !"  exclaimed  Middlemore,  who  had  all  this  time  been  abscit  on  the 

.}^' duties  connected  with  his  guard,  and  now  approached  the  scere  of  t.h's  little 

jjjlkction  fir  the  first  time  ;  "  what  I  do  I  see  my  friend  Jeremiah  Dosboi-ough — 

^.^jthc  prince  of  traitors,  and  the  most  vigorous  of  wrestlers!    Verily  my  poor 

i^bones  ache  at  the  sight  of  you.     How  came  you  to  be  caught  in  thif'  trap. 

^vOiy  old  boy?  Better  have  been  out  duck-shooting  with  the  small  bores,! 
,.,  reckon." 

.^^       But  Desborough  was  in  no  Inimor  to  endure  this  mirth.     Finding  himself 

^',;di.scovered,  he  had  risen  heavily  from  the  litter  to  \va  feet,  and  now  moved 
;fti;-<Joggedly  towards  the  guard-house,  where  the  men  had  orders  to  confine  him. 
J  ills  look  still  wore  the  character  of  ferocity,  which  years  had  stamped  there, 
jj,,btit  with  this  was  mixed  an  expression  that  denoted  more  of  the  cowering 
,^,fillain.  whom  a  sudden  reverse  of  fortune  may  intimidate,  than  the  dauntless 
,^.|Mlventurer  to  whom  cnterprizes  of  hazard,  are  at  onee  a  stimulus  and  a  no- 
"<;.<»8sity.     In  short,  he  was  entirely'  crest-fallen. 

"  Come  and  see  the  effect  of  Gerald's  excellent  fire,"  .said  Middlemore,  when 
, i .JDcsboroiigh  had  disappeared  within  the  guard-room.     ''I  will  sho  v  you  tlio 

,,^^,  room  pointed  out  to  me  by  the  subaltern  whom  I  relieved,  as  that  in  Which 

J»,  Ibur  field  officers  and  three  surgeons  were  killed." 
Preceded  by  their  companion,  Captain  Granville  and  Grantham  entered  tha 
^  l^azza  leading  to  the  ofHcers'  roojns,  several  of  which  were  completely  pierced 
«  with  Iwenty-four  pound  .shot,  known  at  once  as  cominu  from  ihc  centre  bat- 
tery, which  alone  mounted  guns  of  that  calibre.     After  surveying  the  interior 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


11  vigor  of 
fl,;a.s  ihcy 
icy  expcri- 
:»r  less  ex- 
rings.  An 
un,  in  the 
vas  carried 
rid  without 
(i  liis  coin- 
lost.  Ho 
c  wounded 
0  presonco 
!  feared  to 
i^er  by  the 
itly  much 
emptatioa 

in  the  act 
itly  either 

:  his  right 

be  invalid, 

suddenly 

L'he  latter 
siring  the 
o  the  nio- 

p:arrison 
e  my  carf 

:h  seizing 
le  act  tilt 

he  party 

nt  on  thf 

♦  h's  little 
oi'oujh — 

my  poor 

this  trap. 

bores,  1 

himself 
i\'  moved 
fine  him. 
e(i  there, 
cowering 
launtless 
md  a  no- 
re,  when 
you  tho 
n  which 

cred  tha 

•  pierced 
it  re  bat- 

interioi 


»  few  momnnts,  tlicy  passed  into  a  small  passai^e  rommimicatin?  with  the 
room  in  question.     On  openinjr  the  door,  all  were  painfully  struck  by  the 
siglit  which  presented  itself.     Numerous  shot-holes  were  vis'ible  everywhere  " 
throughout,  while  the  walls  at  the  inner  extremity  of  the  apartment  weie"^ 
completely  bcspotted  with  blood  and  brains,  scarcel3'yct  drv  anywhere,  and 
in  several  places  dripping  to  the  lloor.     At  one  corner  of  the"  room,  and  on  a 
niattrass,  lay  the  form  of  a  wounded  man,  whom  the  blue  uniform  and  silver* 
epauleties,  that  filled  a  chair  near  the  head,  attested  for  an  American  officcf ' 
of  rank.  At  the  foot  of  the  bed.  dressed  in  black,  tier  long  hair  Hcmting  wildly  ' 
over  the  shoulders,  and  with  a  hard  embracing  one  of  those  of  thO  sufferer, 
sat  a  female,  apparently  wholly  absorbed  in  the  contemplation  of  the  scene "* 
before  her.     The  noise  made  by  the  odicers  on  entering  had  not  cainod  the  ' 
slightest  change  in  her  position,  nor  was  it  until  she  lieard  the  foot-fall  of  Cap-  ■ 
tain  Granville,  a.,  he  advanced  for  the  purpose  of  offering  his  services,  that  she  ' 
turned  to  behold  who  were  the  intruders.     The  sight  of  tlie  British  uniform'* 
ap')(.ared  to  startle  her.  for  she  immediately  sprang  to  her  feet,  as  if  alarmed 
at  their  presence.     It  was  impossible  they  could  mistake  those  features  and 
that  face.     It  was  Jliss  Montgomerie.     lie  who  lay  at  her  feet,  was  her  ven- 
erable uncie.     lie  was  one  of  the  Held  ofBcer*  who  had  fallen  a  victim  to 
Gerald's  fii-e,  and  the  same  ball  which  had  destroyed  his  companions,   had 
cari'ied  away  his  thigii,  near  the  hip  bone.    The  surgeons  had  given  him  over, 
and  he  had  requested  to  be  permitted  to  die  where  he  lay.     His  wiish  had 
been  attended  to,  but  in  the  bustle  of  evacuation,  it  had  been  forgotten  to  ac«  * 
quaint  tho  officers  commanding  tho  British  guard  that  he  was  thei-c.    The  last ", 
agonie.s  of  death  had  not  yet  passed  ..way,  but  there  seemed  little  probability  ' 
that  he  could  survive  another  hour. 

Perceiving  the  desperate  situation  of  the  respectablb  officer,  Captain  Gran- 
ville stayed  not  to  question  on  a  subject  that  spoke  .so  plainly  for  itself.    Has-  * 
tening  back  into  the  piazza  with  his  subaltern!-;,  he  reached  the  area  just  as" 
the  remaining  troops  intended  for  the  occupation  of  the  fort,  were  crossing'! 
the  drawbridge,  headed  by  Colonel  St.  Julian.     To  this  officer  he  communi-'" 
catcd  the  situation  of  the  sufferer,  when  an  order  was  given  for  the  instant 
attendance  of  the  head  of  the  medical  staff.     After  a  careful  examination  and* 
dressing  of  the  wound,  the  latter  pronounced  the  case  not  altogether  despe- 
rate.    A  great  deal  of  blood  had  been  lost,  and  extreme  weakness  had  beeiir' 
the  consequence,  but  still   the  Surgeon  was  not  without  hope  that  his  life  "^ 
might  yet  bo  preserved,  a' though,  of  course,  he  would  be  a  cripple  foi  the  r©»' 
mainder  of  his  days. 

It  might  have  been  assumed,  that  the  hope  yet  held  out,  of  preservation  of  * 
life  on  any  tern;s,  would  have  been  hailed  with  some  manifestation  of  grateful 
emotion,  on  the  part  of  Miss  Montgomerie  ;  but  it  was  remarked  and  con>-' 
mented  on,  by  those  who  were  present,  that  this  unexpectedly  favorable  re- 
port, so  far  from  being  received  with  gratitu<lc  and  delijriit,  seemed  to  cast  a  ■' 
deeper  gloom  over  the  spirit  of  this  extraor.tmary  girl.     The  contrast  w.as  in-  " 
explicable.     She  had  tended  him  at  the  moment  when  he  was  supposed  to  be  " 
dying,  wit'^  all  the  anxious  .solicitude  of  a  fond  child  ;  and  now  that  there  was:' 
a  prospect  of  his  recovery,  there  was  a  sadness  in  her  manner  that  told  toO'' 
plain'"  the  discomfort  of  her  heart." 

'"A,,  unaccountable  girl  !"  .said  Cranstoun,  as  he  sipped  his  wine  tliat  day- 
after  dinner,  in  the  mess-roora  at  Detroit.    I  always  said  slie  was  the  child  of  ■ 
the  devil." 

"Child  of  the  devil  in  soul,  if  you  will."  observed  Granville,  '-hut  a  tru» 
woman — a  beautiful,  a  suix-rb  woman  in  person  at  lea^t,  did  she  appear  tliis' 
morning,  when  we  tirst  entered  the  room — did  she  not,  Henry  ?" 

"Beautiful  indeed,"  was  the  reply — "  yet.  I  confes.s,  she  mor^  av»cd  than 

fileased  me.     I  could  invi  aroid,  oven  amid  that  melancholy  .■.«:eni',  comparing; 
ler  to  a  beautiful  casket,  which,  on  opening,  is  found  to  contain  not  a  gem  of' 
price,  but  a  subtle  poison,  contact  with  which  is  fatal ;  o.-  to  a  fair  lookit|; 
fruit,  which,  when  divided,  proves  to  be  rotten  at  the  core." 


80 


MATILDA     MOXTQOMERIE;     OR, 


"Allegorical,  by  all  that  is  trood,  bad,  and  indifTeront,"  exclaimed  ViHiers, 
^Hovv  devilish  severe  yon  are,  Henry,  upon  the  pule  Venus.  It  is  hardly  fair 
b  you  thus  to  rate  Gerald' .  intended." 

V  Gerald's  intended  !    God  forbid." 

Jhis  was  uttered  with  an  energy  that  startled  his  companions.  Perceiving 
that  the  subject  gave  him  pain,  they  discontinued  allusion  to  the  lady  iu  ques- 
tion, further  than  to  inquire  how  she  was  to  be  disposed  of,  and  whether  sho 
was  to  remain  iu  attendance  on  her  uncle. 

In  answer,  they  were  informed,  that  as  the  Major  could  not  b**  removed, 
orders  had  bc<^'n  given  by  the  General  for  every  due  care  to  be  taucn  of  him 
where  lie  now  lay,  while  Miss  Montgomerie,  yielding  to  solicitation,  had  been 
induced  to  retire  into  the  family  of  the  American  General  in  the  town,  there 
to. remain  uutd  it  should  be  found  convenient  to  have  the  whole  party  con- 
teycd  to  the  next  American  post  on  the  frontier. 


T 


ciUPTiER  xni. 

It  is  difficult  to  imagine  that  the  English  General  could  in  any  wa}'-  havo 
anticipated  so  easy  a  conquest.  He  had  no  reason  to  undervalue  the  resolution 
of  the  enemy,  and  yet  he  appears  to  havo  been  fully  sanguine  of  the  succe.s3 
of  his  undertaking.  Possibly  he  counte<i  much  on  his  own  derision  and  judg- 
ment, which,  added  to  the  confidence  reposed  in  him  by  all  ranks  and  branches 
of  the  expedition,  he  might  have  felt  fully  adequate  to  the  overthrow  of  tho 
mere  difficulty  arising  from  inferiority  of  numbers.  Whatever  his  motive,  or 
however  foimded  his  expectations  of  success,  the  service  he  performed  was 
eminent,  since  he  not  merel3'  relieved  Amherstburgh,  the  key  of  Upper  Canada, 
from  all  immediate  danger,  but  at  a  single  blow  annihilated  tlio  American 
power  throughout  that  extensive  frontier.  That  this  bold  measure,  powerfully 
contrasted  as  it  was  with  his  own  previous  vacdlation  of  purpose,  had  greatly 
tended  to  intimidate  the  American  General,  and  to  render  him  distrustful  of 
his  own  resources,  there  can  be  little  doubt.  The  destructive  fire  from  the  well  • 
served  breaching  batteries,  was  moreover  instanced  as  an  inlhiencing  cause  of 
the  capitulation  ;  and  there  can  be  no  question,  that  a  humane  consideration 
for  the  defenceless  town,  surrounded  by  hordes  of  Indians,  had  much  to  do 
with  the  decision  of  the  American  General. 

Injustice  to  many,  officers  of  rank,  and  to  the  garrison  generally,  it  must 
be  admitted  that  the  decision  of  their  leader,  if  credence  might  be  given  to 
their  looks  and  language,  was  anything  but  s.atisfaf tory  to  them,  and  it  must 
be  confes.sed  that  it  must  have  been  mortifying  in  the  extreme,  to  have  yielded 
withoiit  a  blow  a  fortress  so  well  provided  with  the  means  of  defence.  What 
tl)e  result  would  have  been  had  the  British  rolumns  jiiounted  to  the  as.sault,  it 
is  impossible  to  say.  That  they  would  have  done  their  duty  is  bi'vond  ali 
question,  but  there  is  no  reason  to  believe  the  Americans,  under  a  suitable 
commander,  would  have  failed  in  theirs.  Superiority  of  numbers  and  position 
was  on  the  one  side  :  a  daring  Chief  an  ardent  d(  sire  of  distinction,  and  tho 
impossibility  of  retreat  without  hujniliiition,  on  the  other. 

In  alluding  thus  to  the  capitulation  of  Detroit,  we  beg  not  to  be  understood 
as  either  reflecting  on  the  American  character,  or  doubting  thoir  courage. 
Question  of  persiv..»^.  bra\ery  there  was  none,  since  no  appeal  was  made  to 
»rms  ;  but  the  ab-M'nce  of  sanguinary  <  vent  left  in  high  relief  the  daring  of  the 
British  commander,  whose  promptitude  and  genius  alone  secured  to  him  so 
imj^wrtant  yet  bloodless  a  conquest.  Ibid  he  evinced  the  slightest  indecision, 
or  lost  a  moment  in  preparing  for  action,  the  American  (leneial  would  have 
hMt  time  to  rally,  and  believ  :ig  him  to  bo  not  more  entiTprising  than  bis  j>rc- 
decc.ssor,s,  would  have  recovered  from  his  panic  and  as,sumed  an  atti*-  ie  at 
ouce,  morv  worthy  of  his  trust,  commensurate  with  hi.<  means  of  dvfrnce,  and 


though 
from  t 

•IIo 
must 
unhurt 

Stru< 
Julia 
could 
blush  I 

"  Dei 
more  fi 
turn. 

"Nc 
ccal  the 

Iler 
her  ow 
«ould 


T 


i  Viniers. 
ardly  fair 

Perceiving 
y  in  qucs- 
lether  slio 

removed, 

en  of  him 

Iiad  been 


)vvn 


there 
party  con- 


way  havo 
resolution 
:lic  succesa 
I  andjndg- 
d  branches  . 
row  oC  tho 

motive,  or 
)rmed  was 
ler  Canada, 

American 
powerfully 
Kid  p;rcatly 
trustful  of 
m  the  well- 

j^  cause  of 
nsidcration 
nuch  to  do 

ly,  it  must 
e  given  to 
md  it  must 
ave  yielded 
ce.  What 
i  assault,  it 
beyond  all 
a  suitable 
nd  position 
>n,  and  tho 

unders'  ooJ 
ir  courage. 
as  made  to 
irinp  of  tho 
1  to  him  so 

indecision, 
vould  have 
lan  his  pro- 

atti''  ie  at 
n.',  and 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


87 


in  keopinj,  with  his  former  reputation.  The  quick  apprehension  of  his  oppo- 
nent imniL'dia^ely  cau^^ht  tho  weaUuess,  while  his  ready  action  prapplcd 
intuitively  with  tlie  advantage  it  presented.  The  batteries,  as  our  narrative  has 
shown,  were  opened  without  delay — the  flotilla  worked  up  the  river  within 
wight  of  the  fortress — and  the  troops  and  Indians  eflVcted  their  landing  in  full 
view  of  the  enemy.  In  f;ict.  everything  was  conducted  in  a  manner  to  ^\\avr 
•A  determination  of  the  most  active  and  undoubted  description.  With  what 
result  has  been  seen. 

It  was  in  the  evening  of  the  day  of  stuTender,  that  the  little  English 
squadron,  freighted  with  the  prisoners  taken  in  Detroit,  dropped  slowly  past 
Amherstburgti,  into  Lake  Erie.  By  an  article  in  the  capitulation,  it  had  been 
stipulated,  that  the  irregular  troops  should  be  surtered  to  return  to  their 
homes,  under  the  condition  that  they  should  not  again  serve  during  tho  war, 
while  those  of  the  line  were  to  be  conducted  to  the  Lower  Province,  there  to 
remain  until  duly  exchanged.  The  appearance  as  captives  of  those  who  had, 
only  a  few  days  before,  been  comfortably  established  on  the  Sandwich  shore, 
and  had  caused  the  country  to  feel  already  some  of  the  horrors  of  invasion — 
naturally  enough  drew  firth  most  of  the  inhabitants  to  witness  the  sight ;  and 
as  the  Sunday  stroll  of  the  little  population  of  Amherstburgh  led  in  tho 
direction  of  Elliot's  point,  where  the  lake  began,  the  banks  were  soon  alivo 
with  men,  women  and  childnm.  clad  in  holiday  apparel,  moving  quickly  to 
keep  up  with  the  gliding  vessels,  and  apparently,  although  not  otfensivcly, 
exulting  in  the  triumph  of  that  ilag,  beneath  which  tho  dense  masses  of  their 
enemies  were  now  departing  from  their  rescued  territory. 

Among  those  whom  the  passing  barks  had  drawn  in  iinusual  numbers  to 
the  river's  side,  were  the  daughters  of  Colonel  D'Egville,  whose  almost  daily 
practice  it  was  to  take  the  air  in  that  direction,  wdiere  there  was  so  much  of 
the  sublime  beauty  of  American  scenery  to  arrest  the  attention.  Something 
more,  however,  than  that  vague  curiosity  which  actuated  the  mass,  seemed  to 
have  drawn  the  sisters  to  the  hank,  and  one  who  had  watched  them  narrowdy 
must  liavc  observed,  that  their  interest  was  not  divided  among  the  m.any  barlcsj 
that  glided  onward  to  the  lake,  but  was  almost  exclusively  attracted  by  one, 
which  now  lay  to,  with  her  light  bows  breasting  tho  current  like  a  swan, 
and  apparently  waiting  either  for  a  boat  that  had  been  dispatched  to  tho 
shore,  or  with  an  intention  to  send  one.  This  vessel  was  filled  in  every  part 
with  troops  wearing  the  blue  uniform  of  the  American  regular  army,  whilu 
those  in  advance  were  freighted  with  the  irregulars  and  backwoodsmen. 

"  Is  not  this,  Jidia,  the  vessel  to  which  the  Commodore  jiromised  to  promoto 
Gerald,  in  rew.ard  of  his  gallant  conduct  last  week  ?"  asked  tl.e  timid  Ger- 
trude, with  9.  sigh,  as  they  stood  stationary  for  a  few  moments,  watching  tho 
issue  of  the  manoeuvre  just  alluded  to. 

"  It  is,  Gertrude."'  was  the  answer  of  one  whose  fixed  eye  and  abstracted 
thought,  betokened  an  interest  in  the  same  vessel,  of  a  nature  wholly  diilerent 
from  that  of  her  (]uestioner. 

•■  How  very  odd,  then,  he  docf-  not  come  on  shore  to  us.  I  am  sun;  ho 
must  see  i.s,  and  it  would  not  tike  him  two  minutes  to  let  us  know  he  ia 
unhurt,  and  to  shake  hands  with  us.     It  is  very  unkind  of  him  1  tliink." 

Struck  by  the  peculiar  tone  in  which  the  last  sentence  ha' i  been  uttered, 
Julia  D'Egville  tuined  her  eyes  full  upon  those  of  her  sister.  The  lattci 
could  not  stand  the  inquiring  gr.ze,  but  sought  the  ground,  while  a  consciou* 
blush  confirmed  the  suspicion. 

"  Dearest  Gertrude,"  she  .said,  as  she  drew  the  clasped  arm  of  her  sister 
more  fondly  within  her  own  ;  "  I  .see  how  it  is  ;  but  does  he  love  you  m  i"0- 
turn.     lias  he  ever  lold  you  .so,  or  hinted  it.     Tell  me,  my  dear  jrirl." 

''Never,"  faltered  the  sensit  ve  Gertrude,  and  she  hung  her  head,  to  con- 
ceal the  tear  that  trembled  in  'i'.>r  eye. 

Her  sister  sigh  id  deeplj',  an  i  pressed  the  arm  she  held  more  clo.sely  within 
her  own.  "  My  own  own  .sister,  for  worlds  I  wcuM  not  pain  you  ;  but  if  you 
would  be  happy,  you  must  not  yield  to  this  preference  iov  our  cousin.     Did 


ss 


MATILDA     MONTaOMBRI«;    OTt* 


you  not  remark  h.iw  oomplctol}' he  soomcd  captivated  by  Misa  Montgomcrie If 
Depend  upon  it,  his  alleotions  are  centered  in  hor." 

Oertriifie  made  no  reply,  but  tears  tri<!klcd  down  lier  cheeks,  jia  they  both 
Mowly  rosiunc'd  their  walk  alonij;  the  beach.  I'resently  the  splash  of  oars  wan 
hfcard.  and  turninj*  (luickly  to  discover  the  cause,  Julia  saw  a  boat  leave  tho 
vessel,  at  which  they  had  just  been  lookinj,  and  pull  inunediately  towards 
tUcin.  Tn  the  stern  stood  an  ofTiccr  in  American  tuiiform.  whom  the  eyes  of 
love  were  not  slow  to  distina;uish,  even  in  tlie  jxrowini^  dusk  of  the  evening. 

"  It  is  Einest."  exclaimed  tho  excited  kii*!,  forj^ottinf^ for  a  moment  her  sister 
Irt  herself.  '•  1  thought  lie  would  not  have  departed  without  seeking  to  seo 
me." 

A  few  strokes  of  tho  oars  wore  snfTicient  to  brinj^  the  boat  to  the  shore. 
The  American  stepped  out,  and  leavinpj  the  boat  to  follow  the  direction  of  tho 
vessel,  now  drifting:  fast  with  the  current  towards  the  outlet,  which  the  re- 
mainder of  tho  flotilla  had  already  i)assed,  pursued  Ins  course  alonp:  the  .sand.i 
in  earnest  convcrsatioji  with  tlie  sisters,  or  rather  with  one  of  them,  for  poor 
Gertrude,  after  the  first  salutation,  seemed  to  liave  lost  all  inclination  to 
i;f)cak. 

''  Fate,  dearest  Julia,"  said  the  officer  despondinpjly.  "  has  decreed  our  inter- 
Ttew  earlier  than  I  had  expected.  However,  under  all  circumstances,  I  mny 
esteem  myself  happy  to  have  seen  you  at  all.  I  am  indebted  for  this  favor  to 
the  officer  commandinp:  j'onder  vessel,  in  which  our  regiment  is  embarked,  for 
the  satisfaction,  melancholy  as  it  is,  of  being  enabled  to  bid  you  a  temporary 
tarcwell," 

"  Then  are  we  both  indebted  to  one  of  my  own  family  for  tho  happiness  ; 
for  that  it  is  a  happiness,  Ernest,  I  can  answer  from  the  depression  of  my 
spirits  just  now,  when  1  feared  you  werO  about  to  depart  without  seeing  mo. 
ftt  all.     'J'he  officer  in  command  of  your  vessel  is,  or  ought  to  be,  a  cousin  of 
our  own." 

'"  Tndeeed  ! — then  is  he  doubly  entitled  to  my  regard.  But,  Julia,  let  the 
brief  time  that  is  given  us,  be  devoted  to  tho  arrangement  of  plans  lor  the 
future.  T  will  not  for  a  moment  doubt  your  faith,  after  what  occurred  at  oui 
last  interview  ;  but  .shall  1  be  certain  of  finding  you  hero,  when  later  we  return 
to  wash  away  the  stain  this  day's  proceedings  have  thrown  upon  our  national 
honor.  Forgive  me,  if  I  appear  to  mix  up  political  feelings,  with  private  grief, 
l)ut  it  cannot  be  denied,  (and  he  smiled  fiiintly  through  the  mortification  evi- 
dently called  up  by  the  recollection),  that  to  have  one's  honor  attainted,  and 
to  lose  one's  mistress  in  the  same  da\',  arc  heavier  taxes  on  human  patience, 
than  it  can  be  expected  a  soldier  should  quietly  bear." 

"  And  when  I  am  yours  at  a  later  period,  I  suppose  yon  will  expect  mo 
to  be  as  interested  in  the  national  honor,  as  you  are,"  replied  Julia,  anxious 
to  rally  him  on  a  subject  she  felt,  could  not  but  be  painful  to  a  man  of  high 
feelings,  as  .she  fully  believed  the  Colonel  to  be.  ''  How  are  we  to  reconcile 
Kuch  clashing  interests?  How  am  I  so  fiir  to  overcome  my  natural  love  for 
the  country  which  gave  me  birth,  so  to  rejoice  in  its  subjugation  by  yours  ; 
and  yet,  that  .seems  to  be  the  eventual  object  at  which  you  hint.  Your  pian, 
if  I  understand  right,  is  to  return  here  with  an  overwhelming  army ;  overrun 
the  province,  and  make  mc  your  property  by  right  of  conquest,  while  all  con- 
nected with  me,  by  blood,  or  friendship,  are  to  bo  borne  into  captivity.  If 
we  marry,  sir.  we  must  draw  lots  whii;h  of  us  shall  adopt  a  new  country.'* 

"  Nay,  dearest  Julia,  this  pleasantry  is  unseasonable.  I  certainly  do  intend, 
provided  I  am  exchanged  in  time  to  return  here  with  the  army,  which  I  doubt- 
not  will  bo  instantly  dispatched  to  restore  our  blighted  fame,  and  then  I  shall 
claitn  you  as  my  own.  AV'ill  you  tlun  hesitate  to  become  mine  ?  Even  as 
the  daughter  forsakes  the  homo  of  her  father  without  regi-et,  to  pass  her  day* 
with  him  who  is  to  her  father,  mother,  all  the  charities  cf  life,  in  short — so 
Bhould  she  foisakvV  her  native  land  adopting  in  prcferjnce  that  to  which  her 
hu.sband  is  attached  by  every  tie  of  honor,  and  of  duty.  However,  let  us  liopo 
that  ere  long,  tho  folly  of  this  war  will  be  seen,  and  that  the  result  of  suclt 


THE     PROPHECir     7ULFILLRD. 


9^f. 


itgomcriaiV 

they  both 
)f  ofirs  was 

leave  tlio 
y  towiird.s 
he  eyes  of 

cvenin,^. 
t  lier  si.ster 
ting  to  seo 

the  sliore. 
tion  of  tlio 
ich  the  re- 
X  the  sands 
11,  for  poor 
)lination  to 

I  our  intcr- 
ices.  I  n>fiv 
lis  favor  to 
ibarked.  for 
temporary 

happiness  ; 
sion  of  my 
;  seeing  mo . 
a  cousin  of 

ilia,  let  the 
ins  for  the 
rred  at  oui 
r  we  return 
ur  national 
dvate  grief, 
loation  evi- 
;aintcd,  and 
in  patience, 

expect  rao 
lia,  anxious 
nan  of  high 
to  reconcile 
ral  love  for 
1  by  yours ; 

Your  plan, 
y ;  overrun 
hile  all  con- 
ptivity.  If 
ountry.'* 
y  do  intend, 
rtich  I  doubt- 
then  [  shall 
1  Even  as 
Lss  her  day? 
1  short — ho 
)  which  her 
,  let  us  liopo 
suit  of  suck 


perception,  will  be  a  peace  Tjiinded  on  such  permanent  bases,  that  each  shall 
b.  bound,  by  an  equal  tie  of  regard,  to  the  lionie  of  the  other." 

•' Let  us  hope  so,"  eagerl)'  replied  Jidia.  "  Ibit  what  has  become  of  our 
fiii:nd,  Aliss  Monigomcrie.  in  all  the  confusion  of  this  day.  Or  am  I  right  in 
supposing  that  she  and  her  uncle  arc  i.f  the  number  of  those  embarked  in  my 
cousin's  vessel?" 

The  name  of  the  interesting  American,  coupled  as  it  was.  with  that  of  one 
infinitely  more  dear  to  her,  caused  Gertrude  for  the  first  time,  to  look  up  in 
the  face  of  the  ofllcer,  in  expectation  of  his  reply.  She  was  struck  by  tho 
Biidlen  paleness  that  came  over  his  features  again,  as  on  the  former  occasion, 
when  allusion  was  made  to  her  at  bis  recent  visit  to  Amherslburgh.  He  saw 
that  his  emotion  was  remarked,  and  sought  to  hide  it  under  an  ajipearanco  of 
unconcern,  as  he  replied : 

"  Neither  Miss  Montgomerie  nor  her  uncle  are  embarked.  Tho  latter,  I 
regret  to  say,  has  been  one  of  the  few  victims  who  have  fallen." 

'•  What !  dead — that  excellent  kind  old  man — dead,  demanded  the  sisters 
nearly  in  the  same  breath  ?" 

'•No;  not  dead — but  I  fear  with  little  hope  of  life.  IIo  was  desperately 
wounded  soon  after  daybreak  this  morning,  and  when  I  saw  him  half  an  hour 
afterwards,  he  had  been  given  over  l>y  the  surgeons." 

"  Poor  iMajor  Montgomerie,"  sighed  Gertrude  ;  "  I  felt  when  he  was  hero 
the  other  day,  that  I  could  have  loved  him  almost  as  my  own  father.  How 
broken-hearted  his  niece  must  bo  .at  his  loss  !" 

A  sneer  of  bitterness  pas.sed  over  the  line  features  of  tho  American  as  ho 
replied  with  emphasis : 

"Nay,  dear  Get  trade,  your  sympathies  arc  but  ill  bestowed.  Mis% 
Montpomerie's  heart  will  scarcely  sustain  the  injury- you  seem  to  apprehend." 

'•  What  mean  you.  Ernest?"  demanded  ".Julia,  with  eagerness,  ''  How  is  it 
that  yon  judge  thus  harshly  of  her  character.  How.  in  short,  do  you  pretend 
to  enter  into  her  most  secret  feelings,  and  yet  deny  all  but  a  general  knowledge 
of  her  ?     What  can  you  possibly  know  of  her  heart  ?" 

"  I  merely  draw  my  inferences  from  surmise,"  replied  tho  Colonel,  after  a 
'ow  moments  of  pause.  '•  The  fact  is,  I  have  the  v,anity  to  imagine  myself  a 
c<^'Tort  reader  of  character,  and  my  reading  of  Miss  Montgomcrie's  has  not 
been  the  happiest." 

Julia's  look  betrayed  incredulity.  •'  There  is  evidently  some  mystery  in  all 
this,"  she  rejoined;  "'but  I  will  not  seek  to  discover  more  than  you  chooso 
at  present  to  impart.  Later  I  may  hope  to  possess  more  of  your  confidence. 
One  question  more,  however,  and  I  have  done.  Have  you  seen  her  since  your 
return  to  Detroit,  and  did  she  give  you  my  letter?" 

Tl).e  Colonel  made  no  answer,  bi:t  produced  from  his  pocket  a  note,  which 
Julia  at  once  recognised  as  her  own. 

••  Then."  said  Gertrude,  '•  there  was  not  so  much  danger  after  all,  in  intrust- 
ing it.  You  seemed  to  bo  in  a  sad  way,  when  you  first  heard  that  it  had  been 
given  to  her." 

"I  'vould  have  pledged  myself  for  its  safe  deliverance,"  added  her  sister  ; 
'•  for  the  promise  was  too  solemnly  given  to  be  l>roken." 

"  And  solemnly  has  it  been  kept,"  gravely  returned  the  American.  "  But 
hark  !  already  are  they  hailing  the  boat,  and  we  must  part." 

The  time  occupied  in  conversation  had  brought  them  down  to  the  e7:tremo 
point  where  the  river  teminated  and  the  lake  commenced.  Beyond  this  lay  u 
sand  bar,  which  it  was  necessary  to  clear  befoie  the  increasing  dusk  of  tlie 
evening  rendered  it  hazardous.  All  the  other  vessels  had  already  passed  it, 
and  were  spreading  their  white  sails  befi)re  tho  breeze,  which  here,  unbroken 
b}'  the  island,  impelled  them  rapidly  onward.  A  few  strokes  of  the  oar,  and 
the  boat  once  more  touched  the  beach.  Low  and  fervent  adieus  were  ex- 
changed, and  the  American,  resuming  his  station  in  the  stern,  was  soon  seen 
to  ascend  the  deck  he  had  so  recently  quitted.  For  a  short  time  the  sisters 
continued  to  watch  the  movements  of  the  vessel,  as  she  in  turn  having  passed, 


no 


MATILDA    mon'toomerie:   on 


pjironrl  all  l.or  ranrnss  to  the  wind,  iinlil  the  fast  fuflinp  t\vili|:l  t  wftrninp;  th?m 
to  (lc|mrt,  tlicy  rctnircd  their  steps  iloiit^  the  sands  to  tlie  town,  liolh  n(.ro 
sil.'iit  and  pi nsivc  ;  and  whilo  all  mound  thcin  fonnd  subject  for  rejoicinjr  irt 
the  pnhlio  events  of  th(!  day  they  retired  nt  an  early  hour,  to  indul{»e  at  leisuro 
in  tho  several  painful  retrospections  wjjich  related  more  particularly  to 
themselves. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Tp  the  fv'w  weeks  prcccilinjj  the  fall  of  Detroit  had  hccn  ch.arivctorisod  hy 
much  hustle  and  excitement,  those  which  immediately  succeeded  wero  no  les!< 
remarkable  for  their  utter  inactivity  and  repose.  With  the  surrender  of  tho 
fortress  vanished  every  vestijre  of  liostility  in  that  remote  territory,  enabling 
the  sinews  of  watchfulness  to  undergo  a  relaxation,  nor  lonp:er  requirinjij  tlio 
Kacrifice  of  private  interests  to  the  public  pood.  Scarcely  liad  the  American 
prisoners  been  depatched  to  their  several  destinations,  when  General  Brock, 
M-hosc  activity  and  decision  were  the  subject  of  universal  remark,  quitted  hi» 
new  conquest,  and  nj»ain  hastened  to  resume  the  command  on  the  Niacani 
frontier,  which  ho  had  only  left  to  accomplish  what  had  been  .so  happily 
achieved.  The  Indians,  too,  finding  tlieir  .services  no  lon,i];er  in  immediate  de- 
mand, dispersed  over  the  comitry  or  pave  themselves  up  to  the  amusement  of 
the  chase,  ready,  however,  to  come  forward  whenever  they  .sliould  be  re-sum- 
moned to  tlie  confl'ct  ;  while  the  Canadians,  who  had  abandoned  theii-  home;i 
to  assist  in  tho  operations  of  the  war,  rctuined  once  more  to  the  cultivation 
of  that  soil  tlie)'  had  so  recently  looked  upon  as  wrested  from  them  for  ever. 
Throughout  the  whole  line  of  Detroit,  on  cither  shore,  the  utmost  quietndo 
prevailed  ;  and  although  many  of  the  inluibitants  of  the  conquered  town  looked 
with  .an  e}e  of  national  jealousy  on  the  English  Hag  that  w.ivcd  in  security 
above  the  fort,  they  submitted  uncomplainingly  to  the  change,  indulging  only 
in  .secret,  yet  without  bitterness,  in  the  liope  of  a  not  far  distant  reaction 
of  fortune,  when  their  own  National  Stars  should  once  more  be  in  th(^ 
ascendant. 

The  garrison  left  at  Detroit  consisted  merely  of  two  companies — those-  of 
Captains  Granville  rind  Molinenx,  which  included  among  their  olticers  Middle- 
more,  Villiers  and  Henry  Grantham.  After  the  first  excitement  produced  in 
tho  niindsof  the  townspeople  by  their  change  of  rulers  had  pa.s.sed  away,  theso 
young  men,  desirous  of  society,  sought  to  renew  their  intimacy  with  such  of 
the  more  respectable  families  as  they  liad  been  in  the  habit  of  associating 
with  prior  to  hostilities  ;  but  although  in  most  instances  they  were  successful, 
their  reception  was  so  diff'eient  from  what  it  had  formerl}'  been,  that  they 
were  glad  to  withdraw  themselves  within  the  rude  resources  of  their  own 
walls.  It  happened,  however,  about  this  period,  that  Colonel  D'Egville  had 
received  a  command  to  transfer  tlie  head  of  his  department  from  Ainherstburg 
to  Detroit,  and,  with  a  view  to  his  own  residence  on  the  spot,  the  large  and 
commodious  mansion  of  the  late  Governor  was  selected  for  the  abode  of  his 
family.  With  tho  daughters  of  that  ofticer  the  D'Egvilles  had  long  been  inti- 
mate, and  as  the  former  were  to  continue  under  the  same  roof  until  their  final 
departure  from  Detroit,  it  was  with  a  mutual  satisfaction  the  friends  found 
thcjnselves  thus  closely  reunited.  Added  to  this  party  were  Majoi-  Montgo- 
merie  (already  fiist  recovering  from  the  eflects  of  his  wound.)  and  his  niece — • 
both  of  whom  only  awaited  the  entire  restoration  of  tho  former,  to  embark' 
immediately  for  the  nearest  American  j)ort. 

At  Colonel  D'Egville's  itwill  therefore  be  supposed  the  officers  passed  nearly 
all  their  leisure  hours  ;  Molinenx  and  Villiers  llirting  v>-ith  the  fair  American 

held  fast  by  the  chains  with  which  they 
his   ex  fcrable   pi:ns  with  a  c  )olDC.sfi  of 


sisters,  until  they  had   nearly  been 
dalliedj  and    Middlemore   uttering 


THB     PROPHECY     rVl.TXULRV. 


91 


firomcditation  tliat  pxcitcl  /ho  Inn'zhtor  of  tli'-  fair  pirt  of  his  nu'litora,  while 
ii»  coiuiianions,  on  tin;  CDiitriiry,  cXfircsse  1  thvir  iimir,ti,';itcil  abhonono!-  in  a 
variety  of  ways.  Ax  f)r  the  somu'.vhut  s(;iiil  (;!i|»t:iin  (ininvilie,  \w  .son;;ht  to 
carry  his  lii)iii;i;ic  to  thu  l't't;t  of  Miss  Mont^ioiiiciii.'. hut  tlio  sevcro  iiml  rept'lliint 
n»;umi!r  in  which  slut  recfivcil  all  liis  a  Ivaiic!.-;,  anil  the  look  whicli  almost 
putril'nid  whore  it  fell,  not  only  aweil  him  oIl'iTlually  into  distanw,  hut  drew 
down  upon  him  tho  sarcastic  felicitations  of  his  watchful  brother  oHlcers. 
There  was  one,  however,  on  whos(!  attentions  her  <lisapprobation  fell  not,  and 
Henry  Grantham,  who  phiyed  the  part  of  an  anxious  ohserver,  remarked  with 
pain  that  /i«liad  been  fascinated  by  her  beauty,  in  u  manner  which  showed  her 
conquest  to  be  complete. 

The  cousins  of  Gerald  Grantham  had  been  in  error  in  supposing  him  to  bo 
tlie  officer  in  command  of  tho  vessel  on  board  which  tho  lover  of  Julia  had 
embarked.  Ilis  transfrr  from  the  gun-boat  had  taken  place,  but  in  considera- 
tion of  tin*  fatigue  he  had  undergone  during  tho  three  successive  days  in  which 
he  had  been  employed  at  tho  batteries,  tho  Commodore  had  directed  another 
oiricer  to  take  command  of  tho  vessel  in  question,  and  charge  hiuisclf  with  tho 
custody  of  the  prisoners  on  board.  Finding  himself  at  liberty  until  the  return 
of  tho  flotilla  from  this  duty,  the  first  care  of  Gerald  was  to  establish  himself 
in  lodgings  in  Detroit,  whence  ho  daily  sallied  r)rth  to  tho  apartments  in  tho 
Governor's  house  occupied  by  the  unfortunate  Major  Montgomerie,  in  whoso 
situation  ho  felt  an  interest  so  much  the  more  dee[)  and  lively  as  he  knew  his 
conlinement  to  have  been  in  some  degree  the  work  of  his  own  hands.  All  that 
attention  and  kindness  could  effect  was  c.vpL'rienc  h1  by  the  respectable  Major, 
who,  in  return,  found  himself  more  and  more  attached  to  his  youthful  and 
generous  captor.  These  constant  visits  to  tho  uncle  naturally  brought  our 
hero  more  immcdialely  into  the  .socioty  of  the  niece,  but  although  he  hmX 
never  boon  able  to  banish  from  his  memory  the  recollection  of  one  look  which 
she  had  bestowed  upon  him  on  a  former  occasion,  in  almost  every  interview 
of  the  sort  jjow,  sho  pi'eserved  the  same  cold  distance  and  reserve  which  wa3 
peculiar  to  her. 

A  week  had  elapsed  in  this  manner,  when  it  clmnced  that  as  they  both  sat 
one  evening,  about  dusk,  near  the  couch  of  the  invalid,  the  latter,  after  com- 
plaining of  extreme  weakness  and  unusual  suffering,  expressed  his  anxiety  at 
the  possibility  of  his  niece  being  left  alone  and  unprotected  in  a  strango 
country. 

It  was  with  a  beating  pulse  and  a  glowing  cheek  that  Gerald  looked  up  to 
observe  the  effect  of  this  observation  on  his  companion.  lie  was  surprised, 
nay,  hurt,  to  remark  that  an  expression  of  almost  contemptuous  loathing  sat 
upon  her  pale  but  beautiful  countenance,  lie  closed  his  eyes  for  a  rnouient  in 
bitterness  of  disappointment — and  when  they  again  opened  and  fell  upon  that 
countenance,  he  scarcely  could  believe  the  evidence  of^  his  senses.  Every  fea- 
ture had  undergone  a  change.  With  her  face  half  turned,  as  if  to  avoid  tho 
observation  of  her  uncle,  slie  now  exhibited  a  check  flushed  with  the  expres- 
sion of  passionate  excitement,  while  from  her  eye  beamed  that  .same  unfathom- 
able expression  which  had  carried  intoxication  once  before  to  the  inmost  soul 
of  the  youth.  Almost  wild  with  his  feelings,  it  was  with  difliculty  he  restrain- 
ed tho  impulse  that  would  have  urged  him  to  her  feet  ;  but  even  while  ho 
hesitated,  her  countenance  had  again  undergone  a  change,  and  she  sat  cold 
and  reserved  and  colorless  as  before. 

That  look  sealed  that  night  tho  destiny  of  Gerald  Grantham.  The  coldnes.H 
of  the  general  demeanor  of  Matilda  was  forgotten  in  the  ardor  of  character 
which  had  escaped  from  beneath  the  evident  and  habitual  disguise  ;  and  tho 
enthusiastic  sailor  could  think  of  nothing  but  the  witchery  of  that  look.  To 
his  surprise  and  joy,  the  following  day.  and  ever  afterwards,  he  found  that  tho 
manner  of  the  American,  although  reserved  as  usual  towards  others,  had 
undergone  a  complete  change  towards  himself.  Whenever  he  appeared  alono 
a  smile  was  his  welcome,  and  if  others  were  present  she  always  contrived  to 
iudemnify  him  for  a  coldness  he  now  knew  to  be  assumed,  by  conveying;  un- 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

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03 


Kuril. Oh.   jioKTooM^niF;  c», 


observed,  cno  cf  ihose  seductive  glar.cec  the  rower  or  ft^tx  jP«  (^raed  so  fully 
to  UD.clcrstand. 

Such  was  the  state  of  thin;^  v.'hen  the  D'Ejj'.  iHes  arrived.  Exposed  to  the 
observations  of  more  than  ono  pnxioir.  friend,  jt  was  not  likely  that  a  youth 
of  Gei-uJd'.s  open  nature  couM  he  lon.-^  i;i  concealing  his  prepossession ;  and  as 
Matil(?a,  although  usually  puarjci  inner  general  manner,  was  observed  some- 
times to  fix  her  eyes  upon  him  witn  the  expression  of  one  immersed  in  deep 
and  speculative  thought,  thd  Guspicion  acquired  a  character  of  greater  cer- 
tainty. 

To  Jlarry  Grantham,  w'.io  doated  upon  his  brother,  this  attachment  was  a 
source  of  infinite  d'iodiot*  for.  from  the  very  coniinencemcnt,  Miss  Montgom- 
erie  had  unfavo-obly  impresseil  him.  Why  he  knew  not ;  yet,  impelled  by  a 
feeling  he  was  ur^hie  to  analyze,  he  deeply  lamented  that  they  had  ever  be- 
come acquainted,  infatuatecl  as  Gerald  appeared  by  her  attractions.  There 
was  anoth'jr^  too,  who  .saw  with  regret  the  attachment  of  Gerald  to  his  fair 
prisoner.  It  Wjis  Gertrude  D'Egville ;  but  her  uncomplaining  voice  spoke  not, 
even  tc  he  beloved  sister,  of  the  anguish  she  endured — she  loved  her  cousin, 
but  he  knew  it  not ;  and  although  she  felt  that  she  was  fast  consumi'ig  with 
(ihe  disnpuonitment  that  preyed  upon  her  peace,  she  had  obtained  of  her  sister 
Wip  promise  that  her  secret  should  never  reach  the  ear  of  its  object. 

/n  tfiis  manner  passed  the  months  of  August  and  September.  October  had 
^nst  commenced,  and  with  it  that  beautiful  but  brief  season  which  is  well  known 
•p  America  as  the  Indian  summer.  Anxious  to  set  out  on  his  return  to  that 
lomc  to  which  his  mutilation  must  confine  him  for  the  future.  Major  Mont- 
jfomerie,  now  sufficiently  recovered  to  admit  of  his  travelling  by  water,  ex- 
pressed a  desire  to  avail  himself  of  the  lovchncss  of  the  weather,  and  embark 
forthwith  on  his  return. 

By  the  officers  whom  the  hospitality  of  Colonel  D'Egville  almost  daily  as- 
sembled beneath  his  roof,  this  announcement  avsxs  received  with  dismay,  and 
especially  by  Molineux  and  Villiers,  who  had  .so  suffered  themselves  to  b« 
fii.s(*inated  by  the  amiable  daughters  of  General  II ,  as  to  have  found  it  ne- 
cessary to  hold  a  consultation  (decided  however  in  the  negative)  whether  they 
should  or  should  not  tempt  them  to  remain,  by  making  an  offer  of  their  hands. 
It  was  also  observed  that  these  young  ladies,  who  at  first  h<ad  been  all  anxi- 
ety to  rejoin  their  parent,  evinced  no  particular  satisfaction  in  the  intimation 
of  speed}'  departure  thus  given  to  them,  Mi.ss  Montgomerie,  on  the  contrary, 
whose  anxiety  throughout  to  quit  Detroit  had  been  no  less  remarkable  than 
her  former  impatience  to  reach  it,  manifested  a  pleasure  t|^at  amounted  almost 
to  exultation ;  and  yet  it  was  observed  that,  by  a  strange  apparent  contra- 
diction, her  preference  for  Gerald  from  that  moment  became  more  and  raoro 
divested  of  disguise. 

There  are  few  spots  in  the  world,  perhaps,  that  unite  so  man)'  inducements 
to  the  formation  of  those  .sociable  little  riuniaiis  which  come  under  the  de- 
nomination of  pic-nicw,  fts  the  small  ij'lands  adorning  most  of  the  American 
rrvers.  Owing  to  the  difficulty  of  procuring  summer  carriages,  and  in  some 
degree  to  the  rudeness  of  the  soil,  in  the  Upper  Province  especially,  boats  are 
in  much  more  general  use  ;  and  excursions  on  the  water  are  as  common  to 
that  class  "whose  only  toil  is  pleasure,"  as  cockney  trips  to  Richmond,  or  to 
any  other  of  the  thousand  and  one  places  of  resort  which  have  sprung  into 
existence  within  twenty  miles  of  the  metropolis  of  England.  Not  confined, 
however,  to  picking  daisies  for  their '«wcethearts,  as  these  cockneys  do,  or 
carving  their  vulgar  names  on  evev_,  magnificent  tree  that  spreads  its  gorgeous 
arms  to  afford  them  the  temporary  .shelter  of  a  home,  the  men  generally  de- 
vote themselves,  for  a  period  of  the  day,  to  manlier  exercises.  The  woods, 
abounding  with  game,  and  the  rivers  with  fish  of  the  most  delicate  flavor— 
the  address  of  the  hunter  and  the  fisher,  is  equally  called  into  action  ;  since 
upon  their  c.vertions  principally  dejKjnd  the  party  for  the  fish  and  fowl  portion 
of  their  rural  dinner.  Guns  nnd  rods  are,  therefore,  as  in<lispenSable  a  part  ot 
the  freightage,  08  the  dried  venison  and  bear  hams,  huge  turkies,  pastrieSj  &e. 


THB     PROfHECy     FVLFILLKD. 


no 


ly  as-' 

:,  and 


some 


or 


;ince 
tion 
tot 


whji.'b,  tojvflhcr  with  wines,  spirits,  an.!  cider,  ad  libitum,  form  tlio  mass  of 
•Jmcntary  miitter.  Here  is  to  be  heard  ncithor  the  inii»ertiiicnt  coxcomb  of  tlie 
Ruropeaa  self-styled  exclusive,  nor  the  unmeaninc;  twaddle  of  the  daup;hter 
of  false  fashion,  spoiled  by  the  example  of  the  said  exclusive,  and  almost  be- 
come a  dowager  in  silliness,  before  she  has  atlained  the  first  years  of  woman- 
hood. No  lack-ardaisical  voice,  the  sex  of  which  it  is  aiflicult  to  distingiiisli, 
is  attempted  to  bo  raised  in  depreciation  of  the  party  to  which  it  had  be<.'n 
esteemed  too  groat  a  happiness  to  be  invited  the  evening  before.  The  sneer 
of  contempt — the  laugh  of  derision — is  nowhere  to  be  heard;  neither  is  tlm 
pallid  brow  and  sunken  cheek,  the  fruit  of  late  hours  and  forced  excitement. 
to  be  scon.  Conten!,  is  in  each  heart — the  glow  of  health  upon  each  face.  AH 
appear  eager  to  be  happy,  pleased  with  each  other,  tnd  at  ease  with  them- 
selves. Not  that  theirs  is  the  enjoyment  of  the  mere  holiday  mind,  which 
grasps  with  undiscerning  avidity  at  whatever  offers  to  its  gratilication,  hut 
that  of  those  in  whom  education,  acting  on  innate  pood  breeding,  has  imposed 
«  due  sense  of  the  courtesies  of  life,  and  on  whom  fashion  has  not  superseded 
the  kindlier  emotions  of  nature. 

Several  of  these  pic-nics  had  taken  place  among  the  party  at  Detroit,  con- 
fined,  with  one  or  two  exceptions,  to  the  officers  of  the  garrison,  and  the  fam- 
ily of  Colonel  D'Egville,  with  their  American  inmates ;  and  it  was  proposed 
by  the  former,  that  a  final  one  should  be  given  a  few  days  prior  to  the  em- 
barkation in  Gerald  Grantham's  new  command,  which  lay  waiting  in  the 
river  for  the  purpose — the  Major  remaining  as  hitherto  at  home,  nnder  the 
guardianship  of  the  benevolent  Mrs.  D'Egville,  whose  habits  of  retu'cment  di.s- 
incHncd  her  to  out-door  amusenient. 

Hitherto  their  excursions  had  been  principally  directed  to  some  of  the 
Bmaller  islands,  which  abound  in  the  river  nearer  Amherstburgh.  and  where 
game  being  found  in  abundance,  the  skill  of  the  officers  had  more  imme<liate 
opportimity  for  display  ;  but  on  this  excursion,  at  the  Ciisual  suggestion  of 
Miss  Montgomerie,  Hog  Island  was  selected  as  the  scene  of  their  day's  amuse- 
ment. Thither,  therefore,  the  boat  which  contained  the  party  now  ])rocee(led, 
the  ladies  costumed  in  a  manner  to  thread  the  mazes  of  the  wood,  and  the 
gentlemen  in  equally  {appropriate  gear,  as  sportsmen,  their  guns  and  fishing 
rods  being  by  no  means  omitted  in  the  catalogue  of  orders  entrusted  to  their 
servants.  In  the  stern  of  the  bo^it — the  trustvvorthy  coxswain  on  this  occa- 
sion— sat  old  Sambo,  whose  skill  in  the  conduct  of  a  hohn  was  acknowledged 
to  be  little  inferior  to  his  dexterity  in  the  use  of  a  paddle,  and  whose  authori- 
tative voice,  as  he  issued  his  commands  in  broken  English  to  the  boatmen, 
a  Ided.  in  no  small  degree,  to  the  exhilaration  of  the  [wrty. 

To  reach  Hog  Island,  it  was  necessary  to  pass  by  the  tann'^ry  and  cottage 
already  described,  which,  latter,  it  will  bo  remembered,  had  been  the  scene 
of  a  singular  adventure  to  our  hero  and  his  servant  on  the  night  of  their  re- 
connoitering  the  coast,  in  obedience  to  the  order  of  the  Commodore.  By  the 
extraordinary  and  almost  romantii.  incidents  of  that  night,  tlie  imagination  of 
Gerald  had  been  deeply  impressed,  and  on  retiring  to  his  rude  couch  within 
the  battery  he  had  fully  made  up  his  mind  to  explore  further  into  the  myste- 
rious alfair,  with  as  little  delay  as  possible  after  the  expected  fall  of  the  .Ame- 
rican fortress.  In  the  hurry,  confusion,  and  excitemmit,  of  that  event  how- 
ever, his  original  intention  was  forgotten ;  or,  rather  so  far  delayed,  that  it 
was  not  until  the  third  or  fourth  day  of  his  establishment  in  the  town,  that  it 
occurred  to  him  to  institute  inquiry.  He  ha'l  accordingly  repaired  thither, 
but  finding  the  house  carefully  shut  up.  and  totally  uninhabited,  had  contented 
himself  with  questioning  the  tanner  and  his  family,  in  regard  to  its  late  in- 
mates, reserving  to  a  future  opportunity  the  attempt  to  make  himself  person- 
ally acquainted  with  all  that  it  contained.  From  tins  man  he  learnt,  tliat.  the 
house  had  once  been  the  property  of  an  aged  Canadian,  at  whose  death  (sup 
posed  to  have  been  occasioned  by  violence)  it  had  pa.ssed  into  the  hands  of  ac 
American,  who  led  a  roving  and  adventurous  life,  being  frequently  away  for 
months  together,  and  then  returninir  with  a  canoe,  but  never  continuing  'hi 


94 


MATILDA    MONTOOMERIB:    OR 


more  than  a  night  or  two.  That  latterly  it  l:ad  been  wholly  deserted  by  its 
owner,  ill  consequence  of  which  it  had  been  taken  possession  of.  and  usc<l  as 
ijnarters  by  the  ofiiocrs  of  the  Aiherican  guard,  stationed  at  this  part  of  tho 
town,  for  the  protection  of  the  boats,  and  as  a  ciieck  upon  the  incursions  of 
tlie  Indians.  In  all  this  statement,  there  was  every  appearance  of  truth,  but 
in  no  part  of  it  did  Gerald  lind  wherewith  to  elucidate  what  he  himself  had 
witncss-;d.  He  described  the  costume,  ami  questioned  of  the  mysterious 
figure,  but  the  only  reply  he  obtained  from  the  independent  tanner,  when  ho 
admitted  to  him  that  he  had  been  so  near  a  visitor  on  that  occasion,  and  had 
Been  what  he  de.scril)ed,  was  an  expressed  regret  that  ho  had  not  V)een  "wido 

-  awake  when  any  lirittainer  ventured  to  set  foot  upon  his  grounds,  otherwise, 
tarnation  seize  him  with  all  due  respect,  if  he  wouldn't  a  stuck  an  ounce  o' 

^  lead  in  his  liver  as  quickly  as  he  would  tan  a  hide,"  a  patriotic  sentiment  in 

,  which  it  may  bo  supposed  our  hero  in  no  way  coincided.  With  tlie  tanner's  as- 
Burance,  however,  that  no  living  thing  was  there  at  this  moment,  Gerald  wa.s 
fain  to  content  himself  for  the  present,  full^'  resolving  to  rsturn  at  another  time 
with  Sambo,  and  eflect  a  forcible  entrance  into  a  place,  with  which  were  con- 

,  nected  such  striking  recollections.  lie  had,  however,  been  too  much  interested 
aad  occupied  elsewhere,  to  find  time  to  devote  to  the  purpose. 


CHAriER  XV. 

Ah  the  boat,  which  contained  the  party,  pulled  by  six  of  the  best  oars-men 
among  the  soldiers  of  the  garrison,  and  steered,  as  we  have  .shown,  by  the 

,  dexterous  Sambo,  now  glided  past  the  spot,  the  recollections  of  the  tradition 
connected  with  the  bridge  drew  from  several  of  the  party  expressions  of  sym- 
pathy and  fitigned  terror,  as  their  .several  humors  dictated,  llemarking  that 
!Miss  Montgomerie's  attention  appeared  to  be  deeply  excited  by  what  she 
heard,  while  she  gazed  earnestly  upon  the  dwelling  in  the  back  ground.  Gerald 
Granthiini  thought  to  interest  her  yet  more,  and  amuse  and  startle  the  rest 
of  the  party,  by  detailing  his  extraordinary,  and  hitherto  unrevealed  adven- 
ture, on  a  recent  occasion.  To  this  strange  tale,  as  may  naturally  be  sup- 
po.sed.  .some  of  his  companfons  listened  with  an  air  of  almost  incredulity,  nor 
indeed  would  they  rest  satisfied  until  Sambo,  who  kept  his  eyes  turned 
steadily  away  from  the  shore,  and  to  whom  appeal  was  frequently  made  by 
his  master,  confirmod  his  statement  in  every  particular;  and  with  such  marks 
of  revived  horror  in  his  looics,  as  convinced  them,  Gerald  was  not  playing  upon 

■  their  facility  of  belief.  The  more  incredulous  his  brother  oHicers,  the  more 
animated  had  become  the  sailor  in  his  description,  and,  on  arriving  at  that  part 
of  his  narrative  whicli  detailed  the  reappearance  and  rellection  of  the  m^'ste- 

,  rious  iigure  in  the  upper  room,  upon  tho  court  below,  every  one  became  in- 
sensibly fix(Hl  in  mute  attention.  From  the  moment  of  his  commencing.  Miss 
Montgomerie  had  withdrawn  her  gaze  from  the  land,  and  fixing  it  upon  her 
lover,  manifested  all  the  interest  he  could  desire.  Her  feelings  were  evidently 
touched  by  what  she  heard,  for  she  grew  paler  as  Gerald  proceeded,  while 
her  breatning  was  suspended,  as  if  fearful  to  lose  a  single  syllable  he  uttered. 
At  each  inure  exciting  crisis  of  the  narrative,. she  betrayed  a  corresponding  in- 
tensity of  attention,  until  at  length,  when  the  otHccr  described  his  mounting 
on  the  water  butt,  and  obtaining  a  full  view  of  all  withm  the  room,  s)ie  looked 
as  still  and  rigid  as  if  sIk;  had  been  metamorphosed  into  a  statue.  This  eager- 
ness of  attention,  shared  as  it  was,  although  not  to  the  same  extent  perhaps, 
by  the  rest  of  Gerald's  auditory,  was  only  remarkable  in  3Iiss  Montgomerie, 
in  as  much  as  she  was  one  of  too  much  mental  preoccuj)ation  to  feel  or  betray 
interest  in  anything,  and  it  might  have  been  tho  risk  encountered  by  her 
lover,  and  the  share  he  had  borne  in  the  mysterious  occurrence,  that  now 
caused  Uer  to  lapse  'rom  her  wonted  inacessibility  to  impressions  of  the  sort 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


00 


i  by  it« 
used  as 
L  of  tho 
«ons  of 
ith,  but 
elf  had 
stcrious 
,v\icn  ho 
and  had 
n  "wido 
.hcrwise. 
ounce  o' 
iment  in 
iner's  as- 
rald  was 
ther  time 
yere  con- 
ntcrcstcd 


;  oars-men 
i-n.  by  the 
3  tradition 
ns  of  sym- 
rking  that 
what  she 
nd.  Gcrahl 
,le  the  rest 
led  advcn- 
11  y  be  Rup- 
idulity,  nor 
tcs   turned 
made  by 
;nch  marks 
laying  upon 
s,'  the  more 
|vt  that  part 
the  mvHtc- 
bccanie  in- 
ncing.  Miss 
t  upon  her 
•e  evidently 
eded,  while 
he  uttered. 
;ponding  in- 
s  mounting 
slie  looked 
Thin  eager- 
•nt  perhaps, 
ontgomevie, 
id  or  betray 
ired  by  her 
Ic,  that  now 
1  of  the  sort 


As  the  climax  of  the  narrative  approacheil.  her  interest  became  deeper,  and 
her  absorption  more  profound.  An  involuntary  shudder  passwl  over  her 
form,  and  a  slidit  contraction  of  the  norvis  of  h.-r  face  was  percejjtiolc,  when 
Gerald  described  to  his  attentive  and  shocked  auditory,  tlie  raising  of  tho 
arm  of  the  assassin  ;  and  her  emotion  at  length  assumed  such  a  charactf?r  of 
•K!rvousn''ss,  tliat  when  he  oxultiugly  told  of  tlv  r.ipid  discharge  ot  hi.s  own 
pistol.  ,as  having  been  the  only  means  of  averting  the  fate  of  the  doomed,  she 
could  not  refrain  from  rising  suddenl}'  in  the  boat,  and  pulling  her  hand  to 
her  side,  with  the  shrinking  movement  of  one  who  had  been  suddenly 
wotmded. 

While  in  the  act  of  rising  she  had  drawn  the  cloak,  with  which,  like  the 
other  ladies,  she  w.as  provided,  more  closely  ovlm- her  shoulders — San\bo  ficemed 
to  have  caught  some  now  idea  froiu  this  action,  for  furtively  touching  Henry 
Grantham,  who  sat  immediaUv^  before  him,  and  on  the  right  of  ^liss  Jlont- 
gomerie,  he  loaned  forward  aii  1  whispered  a  few  sentences  in  his  ear. 

Meanwhile  Miss  Montgomerie  was  not  a  little  rallied  on  tlie  extreme  sn.s- 
oeptibility  which  had  led  her  as  it  were  to  identify  herself  with  the  .scene. 
Gerald  remarked  that  on  recovering  her  presence  of  mind,  shu  at  first  lookc(l 
as  if  she  fancied  her.~elf  the  subject  of  sarcasm,  and  would  have  resented  the 
libert}' ;  but  finding  there  was  nothing  ])ainted  in  the  manner  of  those  who 
addressed  her.  fini.shed  by  joining,  yet  with  ,some  ai)pearancc  of  conslniint,  in 
the  laugh  against  herself. 

••  I  confess,"  she  .said  coloring.  '■  that  the  strange  incident  which  Mr.  Gran- 
tham has  related,  and  which  he  h.as  so  well  <Iescribo(l.  has  caii.scd  n)c  to  bo 
piilty  of  a  rediculous  emotion.  I  am  not  u.sually  startled  into  the  expression 
of  strong  feeling,  but  there  was  so  much  to  excite  ami  suri)ri,se  in  his  cata.s- 
trophe  that  I  could  not  avoid  in  some  measure  identifying  my.sulf  with  the 
scene." 

'"Na}',  Miss  Montgomerie,"  remarked  Julia  D'Egvillc,  '"' there  can  bono 
reason  why  such  emotion  should  be  either  di.s,avowed  or  termcfl  ridiculous.  ' 
For  my  part,!  own  ihat  I  cannot  sulllciently  express  my  horror  of  the  wretch 
who  could  thus  deliberately  attoTopt  the  life  of  another.  How  lucky  w.as  it, 
Gerald,  that  you  arrived  at  that  oritic.-d  moment ;  but  have  you  no  idea — not 
the  slightest — of  the  pers  n  of  the  .assassin  or  of  his  intended  victim  ?" 

'•  Not  the  slightest — the  di.sguise  of  the  person  was  too  ellectual  to  be  pene- 
trated, and  the  face  T  h.ad  not  once  an  opportunitj'  of  beholding." 

"  Yet,"  observed  ^[iss  Montgomerie.  ''  froTn,)'our  previous  description  of  tho 
figure,  it  is  by  no  means  a  matter  of  certainty  that  it  was  not  a  woman  you 
pursued,  instead  of  a  man — or,  was  there  anything  to  betray  the  vacillation 
of  purpose  which  would  naturally  attend  one  of  our  sex  in  an  enterprise  of 
the  kind." 

'•  What,  a  woman  engage  in  so  unnatural  a  deed  !"  rcmarkc  1  Henry  Gran- 
tham— ••  surely,  Miss  Montgomerie,"  for  ho  always  spv.';e  rather  at  than  to 
her — "cannot  seek  to  maintain  a  supposition  so  oppo-^ed  to  all  probability— 
neither  will  she  be  so  unjust  towards  herself  as  toadmit  the  existence  of  such 
monstrous  guilt  in  the  licart  of  another  of  her  sex." 

''Impossible!"  said  G^'rald.  "' Whatever  might  have  been  my  impression 
when  I  first  saw  the  figure  in  the  merchantman — that  is  to  '-ay,  if  '^  had  then 
a  doubt  in  regard  to  the  sc-x,  it  was  entirely  removed,  when  later  i  oeheld  the 
unfaltering  energy  with  which  it  entered  upon  its  murderous  purpose.  Tho 
hand  of  woman  never  could  have  been  armed  with  such  fierce  and  unfiinching 
determination  as  that  hand." 

"  The  cmcrgenc\-  of  tho  occasion,  it  would  seem,  did  not  mucli  interfere  with 
your  study  of  character,"  observed  Miss  Montgonu'rie,  with  a  faint  smile— 
"but  you  say  you  fired — was  it  with  intent  to  kill  the  killer?" 

"  I  scarcel}"  know  with  what  intent  myself ;  but  if  I  can  rightly  understand 
my  own  impulse,  it  was  more  with  a  view  to  divert  him  from  his  leadly  object, 
than  to  slay — and  this  impression  acquires  strength  from  the  fact  uf  my  haying 
mibocd  *iim — 1  am  almost  soriy  now  that  I  did." 


00 


MATILDA     M0Ni03MEniB;     OR. 


«  Porlmps,"  paid  Miss  Montgomcric,  "  yoti  mijiht  have  slain  one  worthici 
than  him  )oti  sought  to  save.  As  one  of  your  oKlest  poets  sings — '  whatever 
is  is  right " 

"What!"  exclaimed  the  younfrer  Grantham  with  '.'mphasis,  '"Can  Miss 
Montgomcrie  then  form  any  idea  of  the  persona  who  figured  in  thai 
.iconc  ?'' 

Most  of  the  party  looked  at  the  questioner  with  surprise.  Gerald  frowned 
*nd  for  the  first  time  in  liis  life  entertained  a  feeling  of  anger  against  his 
-'jrother.  In  iiu  way  moved  or  piqued  by  the  demand,  Miss  Montgomerie 
silmly  replied  : 

'"  I  can  see  no  just  reason  forsncli  inference,  Mr.  Grantham  ;  I  merely  staled 
>;  case  of  possibility,  without  anything  which  can  refer  to  the  merit  of  either 
?f  the  parties." 

Henry  Grantham  felt  that  he  was  rebuked — but  although  ho  could  not 
wcid  something  like  an  apologetical  explanation  of  his  remark,  he  was  not 
flic  more  favoralily  ilisposcd  towards  her  who  had  forced  it  from  him.  In  this 
iteling  he  was  confirmed  by  the  annoyance  he  felt  at  having  been  visited  by 
Che  aviger  of  the  brother  to  whom  he  was  so  attached.  Arrived  at  Hog  Island, 
tnd  equipped  with  their  guns  and  fishing  rods,  the  gentlemen  «lispersed  in 
l|uest  of  game,  some  threading  the  mazes  of  the  wood  in  quest  of  the  various 
oirds  that  frequent  the  vicinity,  others  seeking  those  points  of  the  island  where 
ihe  dense  foliage  affords  a  shade  to  the  numerous  delicately-flavored  fish  which, 
Itixuriating  in  tlic  still  deep  water,  seek  rulief  from  the  heat  of  summer.  To 
these  latter  sportsi^ien  the  ladies  of  the  party  principally  attached  themselves, 
quitting  them  only  at  intervals  to  collect  pebbles  on  the  sands,  or  to  saunter 
about  the  wood,  in  .search  of  the  wild  (lowers  or  fruits  that  abounded  along  iti 
tokirt,  while  the  servants  busied  themselves  in  erecting  the  marquee  and  making 
^reparation  for  dinner. 

Among  those  who  went  ia  pursuit  of  game  were  the  Granthams,  who,  like 
■naost  Canadians,  were  not  only  ( xcellent  shots,  but  much  given  to  a  sport  in 
which  they  had  had  considerable  practice  in  early  boyhood.  For  a  short  time 
they  had  continued  with  tjioir  oorapanions ;  but  as  the  wood  became  thicker, 
and  their  object  consequently  more  attainable  by  dispersion,  they  took  a 
course  parallel  with  the  point  at  which  the  fishers  had  assembled,  wliile  their 
companions  continued  to  move  in  an  opposite  direction.  There  was  an  unusual 
reserve  in  the  r'aiiner  of  the  brothers  as  they  now  wound  through  the  intri- 
cacies of  the  wood.  Each  appeared  to  feel  that  the  other  had  given  him  cause 
for  disj)loa.sure.  and  each — unwilling  to  introduce  the  subject  most  at  heart — 
availed  himself  with  avidity  rather  of  the  several  opporttniities  which  the 
starting  of  the  same  aftbnled  for  conversation  of  a  general  nature.  They  had 
gone  on  in  this  manner  for  some  time,  and  having  been  tolerably  successful 
in  their  sport,  were  meditating  their  return  to  the  party  on  the  beach,  when 
the  ear  of  Gerald  was  arrested  by  the  drumming  of  a  partridge  at  a  short  dis- 
tance. Glancing  his  quick  eye  in  the  direction  whence  the  .sound  came,  he 
beheld  a  remarkably  fine  bird,  which,  while  continuing  to  beat  its  wings  vio- 
lently against  the  fallen  tree  on  which  it  was  perched,  had  its  neck  outstretched 
ftnd  its  ga7,e  intently  fixed  on  some  object  below.  Tempted  b\'  the  size  and 
beauty  of  the  bird,  Gerald  fired  and  it  fell  to  the  earth.  He  advanced, 
stooped,  and  was  in  the  act  of  picking  it  up,  when  a  sharp  and  well  known 
rattle  was  heard  to  issue  from  beneath  the  log.  The  warning. was  suflici<mt 
to  save  him,  had  he  consented  even  for  an  instant  to  forego  his  prize ;  but, 
accustomed  to  meet  with  these  reptiles  on  almost  every  excursion  of  the  kind, 
and  never  having  sustained  any  injury  from  them,  he  persevered  in  disengag- 
ing the  partridge  from  some  briers  with  which,  in  falling,  it  had  got  entangled. 
Before  he  could  again  raise  himself,  an  enormous  rattlesnake  had  darted  upon 
him,  and  stung  with  rage  perhaps  at  being  deprived  of  its  victim,  had  severely 
bitten  him  above  the  left  wrist.  The  instantaneous  pang  that  darted  through- 
out the  whole  limb,  caused  Gerald  to  utter  an  exclamation  ;  and  dropping  th« 
Vird,  he  sank,  almost  fainting,  on  the  log  whence  his  enemy  L>,d  attacked  him 


THB    PROPHECY     FU}.FILLED. 


«7 


worthici 
whatever 

^.nn  Misrt 
in   thai 

frowned 
gainst  his 
itgomcrie 

sly  staied 
of  either 

;ould  not 
3  was  not 
I.  In  this 
isited  by 
)g  Island, 
persed  in 
le  various 
ind  where 
ish  which, 
incr.  To 
icmselvcs, 
;o  saunlcr 
1  along  iti 
id  making 

who,  like 
a  sport  in 
jhort  time 
le  thicker, 
3y  took  a 
riulc  their 
m  unusual 
I  the  intri- 
hiin  cause 
at  heart — 
which  the 
They  had 
successful 
ach,  when 
,  short  dis- 
1  came,  he 
wings  vio- 
itstretchcd 
le  size  and 
advanced, 
'ell  known 
s  sufliciont 
prize  5  but, 
if  the  kind, 
1  discngag- 
entangled. 
arted  upon 
ad  severely 
jd  through- 
ropping  th« 
lacked  him 


The  cry  of  agony  reached  Henry  Gnintham  aa  ho  was  carelessly  awnitln;? 
hi«  brother's  return,  ami  at  once  forget tin;t  their  temporary  estrangement,  anrl 
full  of  eager  love  and  apprehension — he  ik-w  to  ascertain  the  nature  of  the  in- 
jury. To  his  surprise  and  horror  he  r'n'rirkod  that.  althoiii;h  not  n  nwnnla 
had  elapsed  since  the  fings  of  the  reptile  had  penetrated  into  the  flesh,  the 
arm  was  already  consideraldy  inflameil  and  exliihiting  then  a  dark  and  dis- 
colored hue.  Tiiat  a  reujedy  was  at  hand  he  knew  hut  what  it  was,  and  how 
to  be  applieil  he  was  not  aware,  the  Indians  alone  being  in  the  ])osses,".ion  of 
the  .secret.  Deeming  that  S:unbo  might  have  some  know!ed;:e  of  the  kind,  ho 
now  made  the  woods  echo  with  the  sound  of  his  name,  in  :»  manner  that  could 
not  fail  to  startle  and  alarm  the  whole  of  the  .scattered  party.  Soon  after- 
wards tlic  rustl'ing  of  forms  was  heard  in  various  directions,  as  they  forct-d 
themselves  through  the  underwood,  and  the  first  who  came  in  sight  was  .Miss 
iMontgomerie,  preceded  by  the  old  negro.  The  lamentation  of  the  latter  was  in- 
tense, and  when  on  approaching  his  young  master,  he  discovered  the  true  na- 
ture of  his  accident  and  confes.sed  his  ignorance  of  all  remedy,  he  binst  into 
tears,  and  throwing  himself  upon  the  earth  tore  his  gre\'  woollen  hair  away, 
regardless  of  all  entreaty  on  the  part  of  CJeraM  to  moderate  his  grief.  Misi« 
Montgomeric  now  came  forward,  and  never  did  soimds  of  melody  fall  so  har- 
moniously on  the  ear,  as  did  her  voice  on  that  of  the  30unger  (.Irantham  an 
she  pledged  herself  to  the  cure,  on  their  instant  return  to  the  spot  where  tho 
marquee  had  been  erected.  With  this  promise  she  again  liisappcared,  and 
seveial  others  of  the  party  having  now  joined  them,  Gerald,  duly  supported, 
once  more  slowly  retraced  his  way  to  the  .same  point, 

"Damn  him  pattridge,"  muttered  Sambo,  who  lingered  a  moment  or  two  in 
the  rear  to  harness  himself  with  the  apparatus  of  which  his  m.aster  hail  dis- 
encumbered his  person.  '•  Damn  him  pattridge,"  and  he  kicked  the  lifelc.s,< 
bird  indignantly  with  his  foot,  "you  all  he  cause  he  dis  ;  what  he  hell  ho  do 
here  ?» 

This  tirade  however  against  the  pattridge  did  not  by  any  means  prcrcnf  tho 
uttererfrotn  eventually  con.signing  it  to  its  proper  destination  in  the  gam,-  hag 
an  the  noblest  specimen  of  the  day's  sport,  and  thus  burthened  ho  issne<! 
from  the  wood,  nearly  at  the  same  moment  with  the  wounded  Gerald  and  hi:i 
friends. 

The  consternation  of  all  jjarties  on  witnessing  the  disaster  of  the  sailor, 
whose  arm  had  already  swollen  to  a  fearful  .size,  while  the  wonn<l  itself  began 
to  assume  an  appearance  of  ^.lortification,  was  strongly  contrasted  with 
the  calm  silence  of  Miss  Montgomcrie,  who  was  bu.sily  employed  in  stirring 
certain  herbs  which  she  was  boiling  over  the  fire  that  had  been  kindled  in  tho 
distance  for  the  preparation  of  the  dinner.  The  sleeve  of  the  sufferer's  shoot- 
ing jacket  had  been  ripped  to  the  shoulder  by  his  brother  and  as  he  now  sat 
on  a  pile  of  cloaks  within  the  marquee,  the  rapid  discoloration  of  tho  whilo 
skin,  could  be  distinctly  traced, -marking  as  it  did  the  progres.s  of  the  deadly 
poison  towards  the  vital  portion  of  the  .system.  In  this  trying  emergency  all 
cj'^es  were  turned  with  anxiety  on  the  slightest  movement  of  her  who  had  un- 
dertaken tho  cure,  and  none  more  eagerly  than  those  of  Henry  Granthi;m  and 
Gertrude  D'Egville,  the  latter  of  whom,  gentle  even  as  she  was,  could  not  but 
acknowledge  a  pang  of  regret  that  to  another,  and  that  other  a  favored  rival — 
should  be  the  task  of  alleviating  the  anguish  and  preserving  the  life  of  the  only 
man  she  had  ever  loved. 

At  length  Miss  Montgomcrie  camo  forward ;  and  never  was  a  beneficent 
angel  more  welcomed  than  did  Henry  Grantham  welcome  her,  whom  an  hour 
since  he  had  looked  upon  with  aversion,  when  with  a  countenance  of  unwonted 
paleness  but  confident  of  success,  she  advanced  towards  the  opening  of  ths 
marquee,  to  which  interest  in  the  .sufferer  had  drawn  even  the  domestics.  All 
made  way  for  her  approach.  Kneeling  at  *,he  side  of  Gerald,  and  depositing 
the  vessel  in  which  she  had  mixed  her  preparation,  she  took  the  wotmde^l 
arm  in  her  own  fair  hands  with  the  view,  it  w<vs  supjwscd,  of  holding  it  w  hile 
another  applied  the  remedy.    Scarcely  however  had  she  secured  it  iu  a  firm 


99 


MATILDA     BIONTOOME  RIK;     OR, 


P 


prnsp  wlii'n.  fo  the  surprise  and  consternation  of  nil  around,  she  applied  hci 
own  liiw  to  the  wound  and  continued  tlif  in  there  in  despite  of  the  efforts  o( 
Gerald  to  wilhlraw  his  arm.  nor  was  it  until  there  was  alread}-  a  visihle  re- 
duction in  the  size,  and  change  in  the  color  of  the  Iiinh  that  she  removed  them 
Tliis  done  she  arose  and  retired  to  the  skirt  of  the  wood  wluince  she  a;;ain  re- 
turned in  less  than  a  minute.  Even  in  the  short  time  that  had  elapsed,  tho 
arm  of  the  sulferer  had  experienced  an  almost  miraculous  chanj^e.  The  in- 
flammation had  greatly  subsided,  while  the  discoloration  had  retired  to  tho 
immediate  vicinity  of  the  wound,  which  in  ita  turn  however  had  assumed  a 
more  virulent  appearance.  From  this  it  was  evident  that  the  suction  had 
been  tho  means  of  recalling,  to  the  neighborhood  of  the  injury,  such  portions 
of  the  pijison  as  h.ad  expanded,  concentrating  all  in  one  mass  immediately  be- 
neath its  surface,  and  thereby  affording  fuller  exposure  to  tho  action  of  the 
final  remedy.  This — consisting  of  certain  herbs  of  a  dark  color,  and  spread 
at  lier  direction  by  the  trembling  hands  of  Gertrude,  on  her  wliite  handker- 
chief— Miss  Montgomeric  now  proceeded  to  apply,  covering  a  considerable 
portion  around  the  orilice  of  the  two  small  wounds,  inllicted  by  the  fangs  of 
the  serpent,  with  the  dense  mass  of  tho  vegetable  preparation.  The  relief 
produced  by  this  was  effectual,  and  in  less  than  an  hour,  so  completely  had 
tlie  poison  been  extracted,  and  the  strength  of  tho  arm  restored,  that  GeraM 
was  enaV)led  not  merely  to  resume  his  shooting  jacket,  but  to  partake,  although 
fiparingly  of  the  nieal  which  followed. 

It  may  be  presumed  that  the  bold  action  oT  Miss  Montgomeric  passed  not 
■without  the  apphuise  it  no  highly  merited,  yet  even  while  applauding,  there 
were  some  of  the  party,  and  particularly  Henry  Granth.im,  who  regarded  it 
with  feelings  not  wliolly  untinettue;!  with  the  unpleasant,  Iler  coimtenance 
and  figure,  as  she  stood  in  the  midst  of  the  forest,  preparing  the  embrocation, 
m  well  harmonizing  with  the  .scene  and  occupation  ;  the  avidity  with  which 
she  sucked  the  open  wound  of  the  sullerer,  and  the  fearless  manner  in  which 
Khe  imbibeil  that  which  was  considered  death  to  others  ;  all  this,  combined 
with  a  ficucral  demeanor  in  which  predominated  a  reserve  deeply  shaded  with 
myst«fry,  threw  over  tlie  actor  and  the  action  an  air  of  the  preternatural,  6c- 

^jjCasiojiiug  more  of  surprise  and  awe  than  prepossession.  Such,  especially,  as 
-wc  have  said,  was  the  impression  momentarily,  produced  on  Henry  Gran- 
tham ;  but  when  he  beheld  his  brother's  eye  and  cheek  once  more  Lcaminj; 
with  retui-ning  strength  and  health,  he  saw  in  her  but  the  generous  preserver 
of  that  brother's  life  to  whom  his  own  boundless  debt  of  gratitude  was  duo. 
It  was  at  this  moment  tliat,  in  the  course  of  conversation  on  the  subject,  Cap- 
tain Molineux  inquired  of  Miss  Montgomeric.  what  antidote  .she  possessed 
Bgainst  the  influence  of  the  i)oison.     Every  eye  was  turned  upon  her  as  she 

^/^  vaguely  answered,  a  smile  of  peculiar  meaning  playing  over  her  lips,  that 
•*  Captain  Molineux  must  be  satisfied  with  knowing  she  bore  a  charmed  life." 
Then  again  it  was  that  the  young  soldier's  feelings  underwent  another  re- 
action, and  as  he  caugiit  tho  words  and  look  which  accompanied  them,  he 
w;arcely  could  persuade  himself  she  was  not  tho  almost  vampire  and  sorceress 
that  his  excited  imagination  had  represented. 

Not  the  least  deei)ly  interested  in  the  events  of  the  morning,  was  the  old 
negro.      Durina;  their  meal,  at  the  Kcrvice  of  which  he  assisted,  his  eyes 

.scarcely  quitted  her  whom  he  appeared  to  regard  witli  a  mingled  feeling  of 

;  awe  and  adoration  ;  nay,  such  was  his  abstraction  that,  in  attempting  to  place 
a  dish  of  game  on  the  lude  taltle  at  which  the  party  sat,  he  lodged  the  whole 
of  the  contents  in  the  lap  of  Jliddlemore,  a  clumsiness  that  drew  from  tho 
latter  an  exciamalion  of  horror,  followed  however  the  instant  afurwards  by 

■',  Bambo's  apology. 
...J,-      '"I  beg  a  pardon,  Ma.ssa  Middlcmore,"  he  exclaimed,  "I  let  him  fidl  he 

j^  gravey  in  he  lap." 

'•  Then  will  you  by  some  moans  contrive  to  lap  it  up?"  returned  the  ofliccp 
quaintly. 

Sambo  applied  his  napkin  and  the  dinner  proceeded  without  otlier  occur- 


THE     PROPIIF.  CV     FULFILLED. 


09 


iplicrl  hci 
efforts  o( 
risible  rc- 
k'Cil  them 
a»iiiii  re- 
ipse'l.  tho 
The  in- 
"cd  to  the 
issumcd  ft 
ction  hiul 
\  portioiri 
iately  ''C- 
ion  of  tliu 
lid  spread 
h.indker- 
iisiderablo 
e  fangs  of 
fhe  relief 
letcly  bad 
at  Gerald 
!,  althougli 

passed  not 
ling,  there 
•egardcd  it 
nuitenance 
ibrucation, 
'ith  which 
r  in  which 
combined 
laded  with 
atural,  oc- 
iccially,  as 
iry  Gran- 

0  Icaminf* 

1  preserver 
L'  was  duo. 
jject,  Cap- 
possessed 

lier  as  sho 

lips,  that 

rnieil  life." 

nother  ro- 

tlieni,  he 

sorceress 

■as  th.c  old 

his  eyes 

feeling  of 

ig  to  placo 

the  whole 

from  tho 

r  wards  by 

im  fcill  he 

the  officer 

hex  occ'ir- 


rcnre.  Owing  to  an  apprehension  that  the  night  air  might  tend  to  nrxnw  the 
jnHanitnation  of  the  wounded  arm,  tlio  boat  was  early  m  readiness  for  the  r^ 
turn  of  the  party,  v/hosc  day  of  pleasure  had  been  in  some  manner  turned  into 
a  (hiy  of  Tnourning,  so  that  long  before  sun  set,  they  had  again  reached  their 
respective  homes  at  Detroit.  a 

■        ■'* 

^  '  ■>  ■    <  nit 


CII.VrTER  XVI. 


/s 


A  TRW  day  after  the  adventure  detailed  in  our  last  chapter,  the  American, 
party,  consisting  of  Major  and  Miss  Montgomerie,  and  the  daughters  of  the 
Governor,  with  their  attendants,  embarked  in  the  schooner,  to  the  command* 
of  which  Ger.'ild  had  been  promoted.  The  destination  of  the  whole  was  the 
American  port  of  Buffalo,  situate  at  the  further  extremity  of  the  lake,  nearly 
opposite  to  tho  fort  of  Erie;  and  thither  our  hero,  perfectly  recovered  from 
the  efl'ects  of  his  accident,  received  instructions  to  repair  without  loss  of  time, 
land  his  charge,  and  immediately  rejoin  the  flotilla  at  Amherstburg. 

Iloivever  pleasing  the  first,  the  latter  part  of  the  order  was  b}'  no  means  s© 
sfrictly  in  consonance  with  tlie  views  and  feelings  of  the  new  commander,  as 
inight  have  been  evpected  from  a  young  and  enterprising  spirit;  but  he  jus- 
tified his  absence  of  zeal  to  himself,  ni  tlie  fact  that  there  was  no  positive  ser- 
vice to  peifonn  ;  no  duty  in  which  he  could  have  an  opportunity  of  signaliz* 
ing  himself,  or  rendering  a  benefit  to  his  countr}'. 

If.  however,  the  limited  period  allotted  for  the  execution  of  hia  duty  waji  a 
source  of  mu.'h  tli.sapi)ointment  to  Gerald,  such  was  not  the  effect  produced 
by  it  on  his  brother,  to  whom  it  gave  promise  of  a  speedy  termination  of  an 
attachment  which  he  h.ad  all  along  regarded  with  disaptirobation.  and  a  con- 
cern .amounting  almost  to  dread.  We  li.avo  seen  that  Ilenry  Grantham,  on 
the  occasion  of  his  brother's  disaster  at  the  pic-nic,  had  been  wound  up  iilto 
an  enthusiasm  of  gratitude,  which  had  nearly  weaned  him  from  his  original 
aversion;  but  this  feeling  had  not  outlived' the  day  on  which  the  occurrence 
took  place.  Nay.  on  the  very  next  morning,  he  had  had  a  long  private  con- 
versation with  Gerald  in  regard  to  Miss  Montgomerie,  which,  cnfling  as  it  did. 
in  a  partial  coolness,  had  tended  to  make  hiin  dislike  tlio  person  who  had 
caused  it  still  more.  It  was,  therefore,  not-  without  secret  delight  that  he 
overheard  the  order  for  the  instant  return  of  the  schooner,  which,  although 
convoyed  by  tho  Commodore  in  tho  mildest  manner,  was  j^et  so  firm  and  de- 
cided as  to  admit  neither  of  doubt  nor  dispute.  While  tho  dangerous  Ameri- 
can continued  a  resident  at  Detroit,  there  was  every  reason  to  fear  that  the 
attachment  of  his  infatuated  brother,  fed  by  opportunits',  would  lead  him  to 
the  commission  of  some  irrevocable  act  of  impiiidence  ;  whereas,  on  the  con- 
trary, when  she  had  departed,  there  was  every  probability  that  pontinued  ab- 
sence, abided  to  the  stirring  incidents  of  war  which  might  be  expected  shortly 
to  ensue,  would  prove  effectual  in  restoring  the  tone  of  Gerald's  mind.  There 
was,  conseqiumtly,  much  to  please  him  in  t!ie  order  for  departure.  Miss 
Montgomerie  once  landed  within  the  American  line^,  and  his  brother  returned 
to  his  duty,  tho  anxious  .soldier  had  no  doubt  that  the  feelings  of  tho  latter 
would  resume  their  wonted  channel,  and  that,  in  his  desire  to  render  himsdlf 
worthy  of  glory,  to  whom  he  had  been  originally  devoted,  he  would  forget,  at 
least  after  a  .season,  all  that  was  connected  with  love.  ^ 

It  was  a  beautiful  autumnal  morning  when  the  schooner  weighed  anchor 
from  Detroit.  Several  of  the  officers  of  the  garrison  h.ad  accompanied  the 
ladies  on  board,  and  having  made  fast  their  sailing  boat  to  the  st(  rn,  loitered 
on  deck  with  tho  intention  of  descending  the  river  a  few  miles,  and  then  beat- 
ing uj)  against  the  current.  The  whole  party  were  thus  asscmblod,  convcra- 
ing  together  and  watching  the  movements  of  tho  sailors,  Then  a  boat,  in  which 


too 


MATILDA     HONroOMERIR;     Ot» 


were  fiererftl  armed  men  cjicirolinira  htjj^o,  rnw-honcd  individim.,  hnhlti'd  in  the 
fashion  of  an  Anicricnu  hackwcoilsjuiin,  niiproriclu'd  tlie  vessel.  This  was  no 
Other  than  tlio  traitor  PcshoroiiKli,  wlio,  it  will  )k>  rccniloctcd,  was  detained 
and  connued  in  prison  at  tin-  surrcndtr  of  Detioit.  lie  had  heen  put  upon 
his  trial  for  the  murder  of  Major  Grantham,  hut  liad  heen  acqiiilted  through 
wnnt  of  evidence  to  ctmvict.  liis  own  ori^^inal  a<hnission  l)einj;  negatived  hy  a 
gidiseqncnt  declaration  that  he  liad  otily  made  it  throudi  a  spirit,  of  hravado 
and  revenp:c.  Still,  as  the  dian^es  of  desertion  und  treason  had  heen  suh- 
•tantiated  apamst  liitn.  he  was.  hy  order  of  tlie  ronimandant  of  .Nmhcrstlnirtrh, 
destined  fur  Fort  Erie,  in  the  .schoonL-r  conveying  the  Anu'riean  party  to  ihif- 
falo,  with  a  view  to  hi.n  hein;;  sent  on  to  the  Lower  Province,  there  to  he  di-s- 
poscd  of  as  the  General  Commanilinc;  in  Chief  slionld  de(Mn  fit. 

Tlio  mien  of  tlie  settler,  an  he  ixuv  stepped  over  the  vessel's  side,  partook 
of  the  miiifrled  cunning;  and  ferocity  hy  which  he  liad  formerly  heen  distin- 
cuished.  While  preparations  were  heinj;  made  for  his  reception  and  security 
Dclow  di-ck,  he  hent  his  sinister  yet  hold  };Ianco  on  each  of  the  little  proiip  in 
succession,  as  if  he  would  have  road  in  their  countenances  the  prohahle  fato 
tliat  awaited  himself.  The  last  who  fell  under  his  scrutiny  was  Miss  Montjro- 
merie,  on  whom  his  eye  liad  scarcely  rcstc(l  when  the  insolent  indiHeiencc  of 
his  manner  seemed  to  give  place  at  once  to  a  new  feelin;jj.  There  wa.s 
intelligence  enough  in  the  glance  of  hotli  to  show  that  an  insensihle  interest 
had  heen  created, and  yet  neither  gave  the  slightest  indication  hy  word  of  what 
was  pa.ssinp:  in  the  mind. 

"  Well,  Mister  Jeremiah  Deshorough,"  Raid  Middlemore,  first  hreakinj; 
tlie  silence,  and  in  the  taunting  mode  of  address  he  usually  adopted  towards 
the  .settler,  *'  I  reckon  as  how  you'll  shoot  no  wild  ducks  this  f»eason.  on  the 
Sandusky   river — not   likely  to   he  much  trouhled  with  your  small  bores 


>) 


DOW. 

The  ruffian  pazetl  at  him  a  moment  in  silence,  evidently  ransacking  hishrain 
lor  something  sufficiently  in.solent  to  offer  in  return.  At  length  he  drew  his 
hut  slouchingly  over  one  side  of  his  head,  folded  his  arms  iicro.sshis  chest,  and 
squirting  a  torrent  of  tobacco  juico  from  his  capacious  jaws,  exclaimed  in  hit) 
drawling  voice : 

"  I  guess,  Mister  Officer,  as  how  you're  mighty  cute  upon  a  fallen  man — 
but  tarnation  seize  mo  if  I  don't  expect  you'll  find  some  one  cuter  still  afore 
long.  The  sogers  all  say,"  ho  continued,  with  a  low  cunuing  laugh,  '•  as  how 
you're  a  bit  of  a  wit,  and  fond  of  a  play  upon  words  like.  If  so,  I'll  jist  try  you 
a  little  at  your  own  game,  and  tell  you  that  I  had  a  thousand  to  one  rather  he 
.troubled  with  my  small  bores,  than  with  such  a  confounded  great  bore  as  you 
are ;  and  now,  you  may  pit  that  down  as  something  good  in  your  pun  book 
when  you  plea.sc,  and  ax  uie  no  more  questions." 

Long  and  fitful  was  the  laughter  which  burst  from  Villiers  and  ]^foHnenx, 
at  this  bitter  retort  upon  their  companion,  which  they  vowed  should  be  re- 
peated at  the  mcss-tablu  of  cither  garrison,  whenever  he  again  attempted  onei 
of  his  execrables. 

Desborou^h  took  courage  at  the  license  conveyed  by  this  plcapantry,  and 
pursued,  winking  familiarly  to  Captain  Molineux,  while  he,  at  the  same  time, 
•n<Klded  to  Middlemore, 

"  Mighty  little  time,  I  calculate,  had  he  to  think  of  aggravatin',  when  T 
gripped  him  down  at  Hartley's  pint  that  day.  If  it  hadn't  been  for  that  old 
heathen  scoundrel,  Girtie,  my  poor  boy  Phil,  as  the  Injuns  killed,  and  inc,  I 
reckon,  would  have  sent  him  and  young  Grantham  to  crack  their  puns  ujion 
the  fishes  of  the  lake.     How  scared  they  were,  sure/y." 

"  Silence,*fellow  !"  thundered  Gerald  Grantham,  who  now  came  up  from  tlio 
hold,  whither  he  had  been  to  examine  the  fastenings  prepared  for  his  prisoner. 
"  How  dare  you  open  your  lips  here  ?" — then  pointing  towards  the  steps  lie 
had  just  quitted — "  descend,  sir !" 

Never  did  human  countenance  exhibit  marks  of  greater  rage  than  Desbo 


i^'. 


«v' 


THE    PROPIIBCV    ruLFir.Lcn. 


101 


lisl  in  the 
IS  was  no 
(U'tained 
put  upi)n 
I  tlirouiuli 
ivcd  liy  a 
r  biavmlo 
hcon  siib- 
rsthiirirJi, 
y  to  Biif- 
to  be  (iis- 

,  partook 
•en  (listin- 
[1  Kt'cnrity 
I!  frroiip  ill 
)nJ)l(!  fiito 
it  Montfro- 
rpionce  of 
I'lu're  was 
le  interest 
nJ  of  what 

;  breakiriR 
1  towards 
t)n.  on  the 
nail  bores 

^  hisbrain 
L'  drew  bis 
chest,  and 
rned  in  his 

Ion  man — 
Klill  afore 
'•  as  how 
ist  try  you 
;  rather  be 
)ore  as  you 
r  pun  bouk 

Molinenx, 

mid  be  re- 

uiptcd  on* 

=ai!try,  and 
same  time, 

n',  when  1 

for  that  old 

,  and  inc.  I 

puns  ui)on 

up  from  tho 
lis  prisoner, 
he  steps  lis 

ban  Dcsbo' 


rou;^h's  at  that  montont.  His  eyoa  soemfMl  about  to  start  frouj  their  nockcta 
—tho  lar>:;e  veins  of  hi:^  ncok  and  brow  swelieii  almost  to  burstiiij»,  ond  while 
his  lips  were  compressed  with  riolence,  his  nervous  Unj^ers  playu<l,  as  with 
conTulsivp  anxiety  to  clutch  themselves  around  the  thniat  of  tho  olliivr — 
every  thin?,  in  sliort,  marked  the  etibrt  it  cost  him  to  restrain  himself  within 
Fucii  bounds  us  his  natural  cum  iig  and  prudence  tactated.  Still,  he  nuilhei 
8po!«'  nor  moved. 

'•  Descend,  sir,  instantly  !"  repeated  Gerald,  "or,  by  Heaven,  I  will  have 
you  thrown  in  witliout  further  ceremony — descend  this  moment!" 

The  settler  advanced,  placed  ono  foot  upon  the  ladd(T,  tlien  turned  his  ey* 
gtcadfastly  upon  the  olHcer.  Every  ono  present  shuddercil  to  behold  its  ex- 
pression— it  was  that  of  fierce,  inc\tin;^iishablo  hatretl. 

"  Uy  hell,  you  will  pay  me  one  «lay  or  t'other  for  this.  I  reckon."  he  uttered 
in  a  hoarse  and  fearful  whisper — "every  dog  has  his  day — it  will  be  Jerenr.iab 
Desboroii<rli's  turn  next." 

'■  What !  do  you  presume  to  threaten,  villain  ?"  vociferated  <^erald.  now 
excited  beyond  all  bounds:  '"  here,  men.  gaa;  mo  this  fellow — tie  him  neck  and 
lieels,  and  throw  him  into  the  hold,  as  you  would  a  baj»  of  ballast." 

Several  men,  with  Sambo  at  their  head,  ailvanced  for  the  purpose  of  execa- 
ting  the  command  of  their  ofllcer,  when  the  eldest  daughtcrof  the  (iovernor, 
who  had  witncs.scd  the  whole  .scene,  suddenly  approached  the  latter,  and  inter- 
re<led  warmly  for  a  repeal  of  the  punishment.  Mi.ss  Montgomcrie  also,  who 
had  been  a  silent  observer,  glanced  significantly  towards  the  settler.  What 
her  look  implied  no  one  was  quick  enough  to  detect  ;  but  its  ctl'ect  on  tho  cul- 
prit was  evident — for,  without  uttcrin-j:  another  S3dlable.  or  waiting  to  be  again 
directed,  he  moved  slowly  and  sullenly  down  tho  steps  that  led  to  his  place  of 
confinement. 

Whatever  the  impressions  produced  upon  the  minds  of  the  .several  spectators 
by  this  incident,  they  were  not  expressed.  No  comment  was  made,  nor  was 
further^illusion  made  to  the  .settler.  Other  topics  of  conversation  were  intro- 
duced. an<l  it  was  not  until  the  officers,  having  bid  them  a  final  and  cordial 
adieu,  had  ai^ain  tiiken  to  their  boats  on  their  way  back  to  Detroit,  that 
the  ladies  quitted  the  deck  for  the  cabin  which  had  been  prei)ared  for 
them. 

The  short  voyage  down  tho  lake  was  performed  without  incident.  F*-onj 
tlie  moment  of  the  departure  of  the  officers,  an  air  of  dulne.ss  and  abstraction, 
originating  in  a  great  degree  in  the  unpleasantness  of  separation— anticipated 
and  past — pervaded  the  little  party.  Sensitive  and  amiable  as  were  tho 
daughters  of  the  American  Governor,  it  was  not  to  be  suppose<l  that  they 
parted  without  regret  from  men  in  whose  .society  they  had  recently  passed  bo 
many  agreeable  hours,  and  for  two  of  whom  they  had  in.sensibly  formed  pre- 
ferences. Not  however  that  that  parting  was  to  be  considered  final,  for  both 
]Molineux  and  Viliicrs  had  proini.sed  to  avail  thcm.selves  of  the  first  days  of 
peace,  to  procure  leave  of  absence,  and  revisit  them  in  their  native  country. 
The  feeling  of  disappointment  acknowledged  by  the  sisters,  was  much  more 
perceptible  in  Gerald  Grantham  and  Miss  Montgomerie,  both  of  whom  bo- 
came  more  thoughtful  and  abstracted  as  the  period  of  separation  drew 
nearer. 

It  was  about  ten  o'clock  on  the  evening  immediately  preceding  that  on  which 
they  e.  pccted  to  gam  their  destination,  that,  as  Gerald  leaned  ruminating  over 
the  .side  of  the  schooner,  then  going  at  the  slow  rate  of  two  knots  an  hour,  he 
fancied  he  heard  voices,  in  a  subdued  tone,  ascending  apparently  from  tlio 
quarter  of  the  vessel  in  which  Desborough  was  confined,  lie  listened  attcn* 
lively  for  a  few  moments,  but  even  the  slight  gurgling  of  the  water,  as  it  was 
thrown  from  the  prow,  prevented  further  recognition.  Deeming  it  possible 
that  the  sounds  might  not  proceed  from  the  place  of  confinement  of  theseftler, 
but  from  the  cabin,  which  it  adjoined,  and  with  which  it  communicated,  he 
was  for  a  time  undecided  whether  or  not  he  should  disturb  the  party  already 
retired  to  rest  by  descending  and  passing  into  the  room  occupied   by  hiii 


loa 


MATILDA     M  ()  N  rO^O  M  K  K  I  K  ;     OR, 


KriHoncr.  Anxiety  to  Hftti^fy  liiinKi-lf  fliat  the  l.ittcr  w.is  Rcrnri*  (Iplcrnilncd 
iin,  and  lio  had  nlroady  pliiiit(>d  a  fnot  on  tliu  roniimiion-laddcr,  when  \\\9 
fiirthiT  di'scont  wnn  nrrosled  hy  Mi'-s  MontKonn'rii«,  wlio  appoiired  «Mn('r};ing 
from  the  o]K<ning,  honiieted  and  cloaked,  an  with  a  viuw  of  conliniiiii;^  on 
dock. 

•'  What!  yon,  dcarcHt  Mati'da?"  he  asked,  delightedly,  *'  I  thought  yon  had 
lonff  Hineo  ivtire<l  to  rest." 

'•  To  rest,  (leiald  I^-nn  yon.  then,  iniaK''"-'  '»'"p  'f"*  "onl  to  slnmher,  when 
I  know  that  to-morrow  we  jmrt — perl\ai»~)  for  ever?" 

"  No.  by  Heaven,  not  for  ever  !"  enercetioally  retnrned  tho  nailor,  seizinj; 
•nd  carrying  tho  white  liiind  that  pressed  his  own  to  hin  hp« — "he  hnt  faith- 
fnl  to  me,  my  own  Matilda — love  me  t)i;t  with  one  half  the  ardor  witli  whioli 
my  Houl  };lows  f<»r  ,\on,  and  the  ntument  duty  can  be  sacrilkcd  to  nU"eclion,yoa 
may  expect  ajjain  to  see  n>e." 

•  *'  Duty  !"  repeated  the  American,  with  8omethinf;  likeroproarh  in  her  tone, 
"must  the  hapjiiness  of  her  you  profess  so  ardently  to  love,  he  sacrifieed  to  » 
mere  cold  sense  of  dutj'  ?  l!ut  you  are  ripht — yon  liavc  your  duty  to  perform, 
•nd  I  have  mine.     'J'o-morrow  wo  separate,  and  for  ever!" 

"  No,  Matilda — not  for  ever,  unless,  indeed,  such  1)0  your  determination. 
You  may  find  the  ta.sk  to  forget  an  easy  one — /never  can.  Hope — heart — 
life — happines.s — all  are  centered  in  yon.  Wore  it  not  that  honor  demands  ni)' 
service  to  my  country,  I  would  fly  with  yon  to-morrow,  deliglited  to  encounter 
every  difHculty  fortune  might  oppose,  if,  hv  successfully  e(»inhutiii;;  these.  I 
should  establish  a  decj)er  claim  on  your  allection.  Oh.  Matilda  !"  continued 
the  impassioned  youth,  "never  did  I  feel  more  than  at  thi.s  moment,  how  devo- 
icdly  1  could  be  your  slave  for  ever." 

At  the  commencement  of  this  conversation.  Miss  Montgomerie  had  gently 
led  her  lover  towards  the  outer  gangway  of  the  vessel,  over  wlii« '  they  both 
now  leaned.  As  (icrald  made  the  last  passionate  avowal  of  liis  underness, 
a  ray  of  triumphant  ex|>ression.  clearly  visible  in  the  light  of  tho  setting  nioonj 
passed  over  the  features  of  the  American.  , 

"  Oerahl,"  she  implored  earnestly,  '"  oh,  repeat  mo  that  avowal !  Again 
tell  me  that  yo>i  will  he  the  devoted  of  your  Matilda  in  all  things — rjerald, 
Hwear  most  solemnly  that  you  will — tny  every  hope  of  happiness  depends 
upon  it." 

•  Hiw could  he  rcfu.se,  to  .such  a  j)le,ider,  the  repetition  of  his  spontaneous 
row!  Already*  were  his  lips  opened  to  swear,  before  High  Heaven,  that,  in 
•11  things  earthly  he  would  obey  her  will,  when  he  wa.s  interrupted  by  a  well- 
known  voice  hastilv  exclaiming: 

;    «  Who  a  dcbbcl  dat  dare  ?» 

Scarcely  had  these  words  been  littered,  when  they  were  followed  apparently 
by  a  blow,  then  a  bound,  and  then  the  falling  of  a  human  body  npo.i  the  deck. 
Gently  di.sengaging  his  conip.anion,  who  had  climg  to  him  with  nnair  ofalarrnj 
Gerald  turned  to  discover  the  cause  of  tlio  interruption.  To  hjs  .cjirpri.se.  ho 
beheld  Sambo,  whose  post  of  duty  was  at  tho  helm,  lying  extended  on  tho 
deck,  while  at  the  same  moment  a  sudden  plunge  was  heard,  as  of  a  heavy 
body  falling  overboard.  The  llrst  imjjul.se  of  the  officer  was  to  seize  the  helm, 
with  a  view  to  right  the  vessel,  already  swerving  from  her  course,  tho  .second, 
to  awaken  the  crew,  who  were  buried  in  sleep  on  the  fon-ciastle.  The.se,  with 
the  habitual  promptitude  of  their  nature,  speedily  o^>eyed  his  call,  and  a  light 
being  brought,  Gerald,  confiding  the  helm  to  one  of  his  best  men,  proceeded 
to  examine  the  condition  of  Sambo. 

'  It  wa.s  tjvident  that  the  aged  negro  had  been  stunned,  but  whether  se- 
riously injured  it  was  impossible  to  decide.  No  external  wound  was  visible, 
•nd  yet  his  breathing  was  that  of  one  who  hail  received  some  .severe  bodily 
harm.  In  a  few  minutes,  liowever.  he  recovered  hi.s  recollection,  and  the  first 
»4ir.ls  UMittered.  as  he  gazeil  wildly  arjnnd,  and  addro.ssed  hi.s  master,  word 
S«rr*rr!ent  to  explain  the  whole  affair : 

:  "Lamn  him  debbel,  Mas.*ia  Geral,  he  p;ct  safe  off.  him  billaiu." 


THE     r  U  ()  P  il  E  C  Y     r  t)  I.  F  I  L  I.  K  D  . 


103 


on 


^punds 


irontly 

(tt'ck. 

il:ii:rii| 

isc.  ho 

on  ttio 
ho.ivy 
bcho, 

second, 
with 

a  li.L'ht 

iccodeU 

lor  se» 
visihle, 
bodilv 
Ik!  first 
wera 


"  TT;i,  Dc^boroii'h  !  it  i.*  tlicn  «o  7  Quiilv.  put  tho  hchii  ahoii!— t\v<»  of  the 
R^htcst  ami  nuir.t  jk  live  into  my  oaivi".  un  1  follow  in  pursuit.  The  fellow  if 
rnr.kin'^  for  the  nliore,  no  iluiiht.  Now  lli<  ii,  my  hiils,"  a.s  two  of  tho  rrcw 
^prun;^  into  the  eanoo  thiit  h;u!  Iieen  iii^tuntlv  lowered,  "  lifiy  dollars  butwoeu 
yon,  rreollect,  if  you  hrin^  liiui  buck." 

Allhoiinh  ihiro  needed  no  ^^reuiter  spur  to  ev'Ttion,  tli;ui  :i.desii<'  both  to 
pleiiso  their  olIlo'T  und  to  ucipiit  tl»cmselve«  of  ii  duty,  liio  snni  oU'ered  WHU 
not  without  its  due  vvei;;!it.  In  n\\  instant  thu  (vinoo  was  seen  seuddni^  along 
the  surfiicc  of  thu  water  towards  tho  shore,  and  at  nitervals,  us  the  anxiou* 
Oerahl  listened  lio  fancied  he  could  distin;i;uish  the  exertions  of  thu  fu^iliv* 
Kwiininer  from  thoso  made  by  tho  puildles  of  hiti  pursuers.  For  a  timn  all 
was  silent,  when,  at  length,  a  deridinj;  lau.:li  i-ame  over  tho  surface  of  tho  lako 
tliat  too  plainly  told  the  settler  had  reiched  tho  shore,  and  was  beyond  nil 
chance  of  capture.  In  tho  bitterness  of  his  dJsappouitment,  and  heedless  of 
the  pleasure  his  chan;;e  of  purpose  ha<l  procured  bun,  CKrald  could  not  holp 
cursni;^  his  folly,  in  havinjj  sulfered  himself  to  bo  diverted  from  lis  oii;;inul 
intention  of  descendin;j;  to  the  prisoner's  place  of  conOneinent.  Ha  1  this  been 
done,  all  mi'^bt  have  been  well,  IIo  hail  now  no  doubt  thai  the  voici-s  hal 
proceeded  from  thrnce,  add  h'  \.n%  resolved,  as  soon  as  the  absent  li.en  camo 
on  board,  to  in«!titute  a  strict  in  ;    ry  mto  tho  atlair. 

No  sooner,  therefore,  had  the  canoo  returned,  than  all  bands?  wero  sum 
moned  and  (piestioned.  under  ".  threat  of  .srven-  jumishineut  ^o  whoever  .huuM 
bo  found  prcvaricatin,:^  as  i  the  miumer  i!"  too  prisoner's  escaj>c.  Fich  posi- 
tively denied  bavin*  ia  any  way  vio!  ii,od  the  order  which  enjoined  that  u<i 
communication  should  take  pl'iee  etwcon  the  prisoner  and  the<rew.  to  whom 
indeed  all  i'tcss  was  denied,  \  ith  Jio  exception  of  .Siinboj  eutrusleil  with  tho 
duty  of  carrviii;;  the  forme  Ins  lioal.s.  Tiie  denial  of  the  men  w;i-!  so  straij^ht- 
forward  anil  clear,  that  G.  raid  knew  not  what  to  believe;  and  yet  it  was  «;vi- 
dent  that  t,lio  sounds  he  had  beam  proceeded  from  human  voices.  Deter- 
mined to  satisfy  himself,  li's  first  care  was  to  lii  ,ce'"l  'tetween  the  decks.  j»r',> 
reiled  b^'  his  boatswain,  niili  a  lantern.  At  tho  sternmi  't  ixtreuiity  of  tho 
little  vessel  there  was  a  small  room  u'^ed  for  stores,  but  which,  empty  on  this 
trip,  had  been  converted'  into  a  cell  for  I)e,sborou{;h.  This  '.^  as  usually  en- 
tered from  the  cabin  ;  but  m  order  to  avoid  inconvonienco  to  the  ladies,  a  door 
bad  boon  elleoted  in  the  bulk-heads,  II  i  key  of  wiiich  was  kej)t  by  Sambo. 
On  inspection,  this  door  was  found  hermetically  closed,  .so  that  it  became  evi- 
dent, if  the  key  had  not  been  purloined  from  its  keeper,  th'*  escape  of  I)  rsl«)- 
vouj^h  must  have  been  aecomjilished  throui^h  the  cabin.  Moreovt'r,  tin  re  was 
no  opcnincj  of  any  description  to  bo  found,  throiiiih  which  a  knifo  might  bo 
jias.sed  to  enable  him  to  .sever  tho  bonds  which  conlined  his  feet.  Close  (o  tho 
partition  wero  swuiij;  tho  hammocks  of  two  men,  who  had  been  somewhat 
dilatory  in  obeyiiig  the  summons  on  deck,  and  between  whom  it  was  not  im- 
possible the  conversation,  which  Gerald  had  detected,  IkkI  been  carried  on. 
On  re-ascend iuijj,  be  again  questioned  these  men  ;  but  they  ino.sL  s^oletnnly 
assured  him  they  had  not  spoken  either  tO!>;cthcr  or  to  others  within  Jie  last 
two  hours,  bavin.'.;  fallen  fast  asl;ep  on  bein;.;  relieved  from  thi-ir  watch. 
Search  was  now  made  in  the  pocket-!  of  SambOj  whoso  injury  had  l)een  found 
to  be  a  violent  blow  given  on  the  back  of  the  head,  and  whoso  recovery  froti 
stupefaction  was  yet  imperfect.  The  key  being  found,  all  suspicion  of  par- 
ticipation was  removed  from  the  crew,  who  could  have  only  communicated 
from  their  own  quarter  of  the  vessel,  and  they  wero  accordingly  dismissed  ; 
on",  half,  compiTing  the  llrst  watch,  to  tlieir  hammock.s — the  remainder  to 
their  oriinnal  station  on  tho  forecastle. 

Tho  ue.\-t  care  of  the  young  Conunandor  was  to  inspect  the  cabin,  and  in- 
Ptituto  a  strict  scrutiny  as  to  the  manner  in  which  the  escape  liad  been  ef- 
foct'j'^  The  iloor  that  opened  into  the  prison,  ,^tood  between  the  comjianion 
ladaer  r.id  tho  recess  occupied  by  the  daughtei-.s  of  tho  Governor.  To  his  .snr- 
pri.se,  Gcr;ild  found  it  locked,  and  tho  key  that  usually  remained  in  a  nicho 
U3ar  the  door,  removed.     Ou  turning  to  iiearch  for  it,  he  also  noticed,  C.jt  llio 


lot 


MATILDA     M  O  N  T  0  O  M  i;  R  I  R  ;    ON, 


flrst  liino,  (lint  llio  lamp,  nh«|)(mii1o(I  from  a  hcniii  in  the  contni  of  tlio  nnhiti, 
liiiit  Itct'u  rxliiijidislu'ii.  Sliiu"k  liy  tlicso  rpiim "Kultln  (•ircnmslniiivM,  a  Kus|ii- 
cioii,  wliicli  111'  woiiM  Imvo  |j;ivcii  much  nut  to  huv(<  cutorUiiiuMl,  fonvd  ils''If 
upon  his  iiiiiiil.  Ah  a  liisl  iiu'ii«iiro,  uinl  thai  thi<ri<  mi){ht  ho  no  ilotihl  what- 
rvor  on  the  Mihjivl.  ho  I  n>Ki«  opcii  (ho  door.  Of  (•(uirso  it  waw  nntcnanli-tl. 
l^pon  a  small  taMo  lav  thr  rrm!iiii.'«  (»f  (ho  si'llh  r  s  Ias(  nioal,  hiitnridior  luiifn 
nor  t'oiK,  l»o(h  which  aiMidoK  liail  hooii  iii(or(Iici('(l,  wwo  to  ho  (uiiikI.  At.  tli" 
foot  of  (ho  chair  on  which  ho  had  ovitlcndv  hi'on  Moatod  foi  (lio  p'lTpi.so  of 
fivoiii^  himsolC,  lay  tho  hoary  cordu  thai  liad  lumnd  liis  ankles,  'I'hosn  liiul 
Invn  scvorcil  in  (wo  placet,  and,  as  \va»  discovered  on  clo.io  oxamination,  iiy 
tlu'  applicalioti  of  somo  sharp  ami  dolicato  oulliiifj;  inslrumcnt.  Nowhere, 
howovor,  WHS  this  visihio,  U  was  ovidont  to  (jorald  that  ussiHlanoo  liad  hoen 
•n'oidod  from  some  one  within  (ho  ciihin,  and  who  (hat  some  one  was.  I>" 
noanviy  douh((-d.  Willi  (lii'i  improssion,  fully  formed,  ho  re cnlorcfl  (VonHlio 
prison,  and  slan  lini;  near  tho  coilainod  horth  occupied  hy  (ho  dan^hterH  of 
the  (Jovcrnor,  (|nes(ioncd  iis  to  whedicr  (hey  woro  aware  that  his  prisoiiei 
l>ONhoronf.vh  hati  oscapcil.  !5olh  expressed  siirpnso  in  so  natnral  a  manner, 
that  (icrald  Knew  not  what  to  thndv  ;  hut  when  they  add<>il  (hat  (hey  had  not 
hoard  (lie  sli;^li(ost  noise — nor  hail  spoken  (hemselves,  nor  heard  ollu'rs  speak, 
professimx  moroov'-r  i;A;noranco  (hat  tho  l»mp  oven  had  boon  oxtinguisliod,  ho 
felt  suspicion  converted  nito  certainty. 

Tt  was  impos'.ililo,  ho  oonceived.  that  9  door  which  stood  only  two  paces 
fron\  ;lii>  h(>d.  could  ho  looked  and  unlock  >d  witlio\it  (heir  hoarin;^  it — neither 
w.'is  it  piohahlo  (hat  l)oshoroui!,h  would  '>avo  thouj^lit  of  thus  noodh'ssly  siv 
<"unn<J!  tho  place  of  his  hito  detention.  8.k\h  an  idea  mi}j;;ht  occur  to  tho  nidor, 
<>ut  no(  (o  (hefnjiitivo  himself  (o  whom  orory  moment  nmst  l)oof  (ho  hi,';host 
itniKutance.  Who  tlien  could  have  assisi'vl  liin»  ?  Kot  Major  Mont};oinoric, 
for  ho  slept  in  the  after  part  of  (ho  cahin—rot  Miss  Mont};omerio,  for  siio  wan 
ii|>on  deck — moreover,  ]\t\\\  not  one  of  tlio*".  lio  had  so  nmch  nason  to  siis- 
jMH't.  mtoroo<h>d  for  tho  fellow  only  on  tho  \»'oco<lin!.;  <hiv. 

Such  w.Ts  the  reasoninjx  of  (Jerald,  as  ho  rassod  rapitlly  in  review  (he  sevo- 
j"al  proliahilities— hut,  allliou;i;h  annoyed  ho_»o"d  meastn'o  at  the  escape  of  tho 
villain,  and  incapable  of  lu'lievinpi;  otlior  tluin  Uiat  tho  daupihters  of  tho  Oov- 
frnor  had  connived  at  it,  his  was  too  gallant  »■  natin'o  to  make  such  ii  charge, 
♦von  hy  implicatimi,  a;:ainst  them.  AUhouf.ii  extremely  an^^ry,  "no  made  no 
ronuuent  whatever  on  tho  snhject.  hut  oontouVny;  himself  with  wisliinji;  hirt 
chariio  a  less  than  usually  cordial  gooil  night,  h't\  them  to  their  repose,  and 
once  more  (piittinl  tho  cabin. 

Durinu;  the  whole  of  this  examination,  !\riss  IS ioo '/vomer io  liad  continued  on 
fhvk.  (Jerald  found  her  leaninu;  over  tho  jrangvmv  at  which  ho  had  left  her, 
pazing  intendy  on  tho  water,  through  which  tho  ,st.W«M>nor  was  now  gliding  at 
nn  moreased  rate.  From  the  moment  of  his  being  Loi'ipellod  to  (piit  her  sido, 
to  intpiiro  into  die  cause  of  Sambo's  excl.unation  ai\l  rapidly  succeeding  fall, 
he  had  not  had  an  opportunity  of  again  approaching  ho".  Feeling  that  some 
apology  was  due.  he  hastened  to  make  one ;  but,  \.'xcd  and  irritated  as  ho 
viis  at  tho  escape  of  the  settler,  his  disappuinlment  iniV>*»'ted  to  liis  manner  a 
tlogi"oe  of  rostramf.  and  there  was  loss  of  ardor  in  his  a(Jc!r»\ss  than  he  liad  lat- 
terly been  in  the  habit  of  exhibiting.  Mi.>*s  Montgomorvw  rcmarktxl  it,  and 
fcighod. 

"  I  have  boon  reflecting.''  .she  .said,  •'on  the  lilttlo  depoidofloc  that  i.s  to  ho 
placed  u])on  the  most  flattering  illusions  of  human  oxistoiXii- -and  here  aro 
you  come  to  atTord  me  a  painful  a;i''  veritable  illustration  of  .w  theory," 

'•  How,  dearest  Matilda  !  what  moan  you?"  askeil  the  oflQcer,  H'^iin  warmed 
into  tondernoss  by  the  presonoo  of  tlie  fascinating  being. 

"  I'^.an  you  ask.  Gerald 7"  and  her  voice  nsumed  a  tono  of  n.«tl*0':ho'y  re- 
proach— "  recall  but  your  manner — your  language — you^devotea.^.^>>.'  of  soul, 
not  an  hour  since — compare  those  with  your  present  coolness,  ani\  uVr  'vun- 
dcr  tliat  I  should  have  rca.son  for  regret." 

"NiM",  MutiiJa,  that  coldness  arose  not  from  any  change  in  im  i*»»-  n^I 


T  II  K     V  A  O  r  II  K  (;  V     F  U  I,  F  I  I.  I.  F.  D . 


105 


I'M,  II    NllSpi- 

ncfd  i(s«'If 
iMilit  whiit- 
iiilciiiintcd. 
rillicr  luiifn 
(I.      At  (ho 

|)')t|li."AC  of 

'I'licso  lind 
liimlioii,  liy 
Nr)  where, 
•<«  h.'i'I  hi'cn 
)iio  \vn«.  Iio 
I'd  IVoin  Uio 
ui;,'h(crs  of 
lis  |iiisi)iii'f 

II  iiiiiniKT, 
iicv  liinl  not 
IhiTS  sjinik, 
!j;uisIioiI,  ho 

two  pnrc.i 
it — neither 
'(•(Ilessly  so- 
o  th(>  iiider, 
the  hi,';Iiest 
oiitj;()merip, 
for  sho  wiiH 
mon  to  sus- 

'w  (lio  sevo- 
icape  of  tho 
of  th(>  (3i)V- 
e)i  II  oharKO, 
"no  iniulc  no 
wishing  hi.H 
roiiose,  and 

onfinuod  on 
liid  h'ft  her, 
V  pliiling  Jit 
iiit  luT  side, 
oeodin});  fall, 
';:;  that  soino 
•itatod  as  ho 
is  nmnner  a 
1  ho  had  lat- 
kwl  it,  and 

-hat  is  to  bo 
nd  here  aro 
lu'ory." 
•vin  warmed 

l»'>o(!o'v  re- 
"".^irW  ofwHil, 

\  ^■!>'r  -vun- 


towurdq  yoiirKclf'--[  wim  [liiined,  dinfipjioiritivl,  even  an'^ry,  at  IV  .1  oxlraordi- 
niuy  eweape  of  my  |iriMoiiii  and  could  not  Hiillleiently  play  tlu)  hypocritu  to 
(iiK;;nis(!  my  iiiiiioyanoe," 

'"  Vet,  wh^il  liici  I  to  do  wilh  the  man'n  cseapo  that  hiM  offtnco  nhould  bo 
visited  npiiji  me  7"  shr  deumiided  iiiiickly. 

'■  Can  yon  not  find  Koine  ('ximiho  for  my  vexation,  knowinjj,  nn  yon  <lo,  that 
the  wretch  was  a  vihi  as'<as-;in— a  man  whosu  handn  have  buen  imliincd  in  th** 
blood  of  my  own  (alher7" 

"  Whs  he  nut  iieipiilted  of  tlii-charire  7" 

"  lie  was — liut  only  from  lack  of  evidence  to  convict ;  yet,  althongh  acquit- 
ted liy  the  law,  net  surer  is  fate  than  that  hi;  is  an  assassin." 

'•  Von  hold  assassins  in  threat  horror,"  remarkod  tho  American  thonghtfiilly, 
"yon  are  ri;;;ht — it  is  l)nt  natnral." 

'  III  hurnir,  said  yon  7 — ayo,  in  Kiicli  loathin;^  tliat  lan'5na;;c  can  supji'y  no 
term  to  express  it." 

'•  And  yet  you  oneo  attomiitnd  an  assassination  yourself.  Nay  do  not  start, 
mill  liiol»  the  im;v;xe  of  a^tomshinent  7  llavi-  you  not  told  me  th;it  you  fire  I 
into  Hie  hut,  on  the  ni^ht  of  your  mysterious  advenlure7  What  ri;;ht  liad 
you,  if  we  urKue  the  ipiostion  on  its  real  nuirit,  to  attempt  tho  lifo  of  a  being 
who  had  never  injuieij  you  ?" 

'•  What  ri;j;ht,  Matilda  7 — every  ri^ht,  human  and  diviiir;.  I  sou;;ht  but  to 
Rave  a  victim  IVom  thejidiidsofa  midnight  murd(M-er7" 

"  And,  to  ellect  this,  scrupled  nut  to  become  a  niidiii;^ht  Fnnrderer 
yourself  /" 

'•  And  is  it  thus  you  inliTjiret  my  conduct,  ^fatilda  ?" — the  voifc  of  flerald 
8|)oke  bitter  rejiroaidi— -'can  you  com[)arethu  act  of  that  man  with  niiti'j,  and 
hold  mj  no  more  blameless  than  hitn  7" 

"  Nay,  I  did  not  s;iy  I  l»laii\"d  you."  she  rotnrnfld,  K'V'ly,  "b'lt  the  fact  i<?, 
yon  had  left,  me  so  loic;  to  rumiiiale  here  alone,  that  I  have  fallen  into  a  mood 
iiinuiiii'iitative,  or  philosophical — whidisoeviT  you  may  be  pleased  to  term  it 
— and  I  am  willin;;  to  maintain  my  proposition,  that  you  might  by  jiossibiliiy 
have  been  more  guilty  than  the;  culprit  at  whom  you  aimed,  had  your  shot 
ileslroyed  him." 

TIk!  light  toiir  in  which  Matilda  spoko  dispelled  the  seriousness  which  bad 
begun  to  shadow  the  brow  of  tho  young  commander.  "'And  pray  how  do  you 
make  this  go'>d  7"  he  asked. 

"Supjiose,  for  instance,  the  slnmlierer  you  preserved  had  been  a  being  of 
crime,  through  whom  the  hopes,  thi;  happiness,  the  peace  of  mind,  and  abovo 
nil.  the  fair  lame  of  the  other,  bad  been  cruelly  and  irrevocaoly  blasted.  Let 
us  imagine  that  he  had  destroyed  .some  dear  friend  or  relative  of  him  with 
whose  vengeance  you  behold  li nil  threatened."  ,     ,  , 

'•Could  that  be " 

"Or,"  inlcrrupted  tlie  American  in  the  same  carclcs.s  tone,  "  that  he  had 
betrayed  a  wife." 

''  Such  a  man " 

"  Or.  what  is  worse,  inrinitoly  worse,  sought  to  [iiit  tho  finishing  stroke  to 
his  villainy,  by  allixing  to  thenrime  and  comluct  of  his  victim  every  ignominy 
and  rlisgrace  which  caw  attach  to  insulted  humanity." 

"  Matilda,"  eagerly  exclaimed  the  3-outh.  aflvancing  clo.se  to  her,  and  gazing 
into  her  dark  eyes,  "'you  are  drawing  a  picture." 

"  No,  Gerald,"  she  rijplied  calmly,  '■  I  am  merely  supposing  a  case.  Could 
you  find  no  excuse  for  a  man  acting  under  a  sense  of  so  much  injury  ? — would 
ywi  still  call  him  an  assassin,  if.  with  such  provocation,  ho  sought  to  destroy 
the  hated  life  of  one  who  had  thus  injiireil  him  ?" 

Oerahl  pau.sed.  apparently  iKJwildered.  . 

"  Tell  me,  dearest  Gerald."  and  her  fair,  and  beautiful  hand  canght  and 
pressed  his — "  would  you  still  bestow  upc.n  one  so  injiiivd  the  degrading  epi- 
tiiet  of  as.sassin  ?" 

"Assassin?  iKOst  undoubtedly  I  would     IJut  why  this  question,  Matilda?" 


100 


MATiLDA     MONI'COMERIE;      OR 


Tlio  f(!afnrrs  of  tlio  Atnorifan  iissnmed  a  cliangcd  expression  ;  sho  droppoJ 
the  liiind  s!ic  luul  taknn  *^^he  instant  before,  and  siii'l,  disappointedly: 

"  1  find,  flicn,  my  philosophy  is  totally  at  fault."  i 

"Wlicrciu.  Matilda?''  anxioiisly  asked  Gerald.  " 

'•In  this,  that  1  have  not  hcon  able  to  make  yoi  a  convert  to  my 
opinions." 

"Air.I  these  are — ?"  again  question  jd  Gerald,  his  every  pulse  throbbing 
with  intense  emotion. 

'"  Not  to  proiounoe  too  harshly  on  the  conduct  of  others,  seein»  that  we 
ourselves  niiiystnnd  in  niueh  need  of  lenity  of  juli^mont.  There  niisjht  hava 
existed  motives  for  tlie  action  of  him  whom  you  desicjnate  as  an  assassinj 
quite  as  powerful  as  those  which  led  to  your  interference,  and  quite  as  easily 
justified  to  himself"  •■      -~ -  .■      ■   ,..,  =-.■..,...   ,..  u. 

'•  But,  dearest  Matilda "  '         ' -    ' 

"  Nay.  I  have  done — I  close  at  once  my  argument  and  ni}'  philosophy.  Tho 
huuior  is  past,  and  I  shall  no  loncjer  attempt  to  make  the  worse  appear  the 
better  cause.  I  <Iare  say  you  thouu;ht  me  in  earnest,"  she  added,  with  slight 
sarcasm.  "  but  a  philosophical  disquisition  between  two  lovers  on  the  eve  of 
parting  for  ever,  was  too  novel  and  piqant  a  seduction  to  be  rcsisterl." 

That  ''  parting  for  ever"  was  sufficient  to  drive  all  philosophy  utterly  away 
from  our  hero. 

"  For  ever,  did  you  say,  I\Iatilda  ? — no,  not  for  ever ;  yot,  how  coldly  do  you 
allude  to  a  separation  winch,  althotigh  I  trust  it  will  be  only  temporary,  is  to 
me  a  source  of  the  deepest  vexation.  Yon  did  not  manifest  this  indiirercnco 
in  the  early  part  of  our  conversation  this  evening." 

"  And  if  there  be  a  change,"  cmpliatically  yet  tenderly  returned  the  beauti- 
ful American,  "am  /the  only  one  changed?  Is  your  manner  noir  what  it 
was  thi'u  1  Do  you  already  ibrgefat  whdt  a  moment  that  conversation  was 
interrupted  ?" 

(Jeiald  did  not  forget  ;  and  again,  as  they  leaned  over  tho  vessel's  side,  his 
arm  was  p;issed  around  the  waist  of  his  companion. 

The  hour,  the  scene,  tho  very  rippling  of  the  water — all  contibuted  to  lend 
n  character  of  c.vcitement  to  the  feelings  of  the  youth.  Filled  with  tenderness 
and  admiration  for  the  fascinating  being  who  rejiosed  thus  confidingly  on  his 
shoulder,  he  scarcely  dared  to  move,  lest  in  so  doing  ho  should  destroy  the 
fabric  of  his  happiness. 

'•  First  watcli  there,  liilloa!  rouse  up,  and  bo  d — d  to  you,  it's  two  o'clock." 

Ijoth  Gerald  and  ^Matilda,  although  long  and  silently  watching  the  progress 
of  tlie  vessel,  had  forgotten  there  was  any  sj'.ch  being  as  a  steersman  to  direct 
her. 

"  Good  Heaven  !  can  it  be  so  late  ?"  whispered  the  American,  gliding  from 
her  lover  ;  "  if  my  uncle  bo  awake,  he  will  certainly  chide  me  for  my  impru- 
dence. Good  night,  dear  Gerald,"  and  drawmg  her  cloak  more  closely 
aroimd  her  shoulders,  she  quickly  crossed  tho  deck,  and  descended  to  tho 
cabin. 

'•  What  the  devil's  this  ?"  said  tho  relieving  steersman,  as,  rubbing  hia 
heavy  eyes  with  one  liand,  he  stooped  and  lai.sed  with  the  other  something 
from  the  deck,  against  which  he  had  kicked  in  h's  advance  to  take  the  helm 
— "  why,  I'm  blest  if  it  arn't  the  apron  off  old  Sally  here.  Have  you  been  fin- 
gering Sally's  apron.  Bill  ?" 

*'  Not  T,  faith !"  growled  the  party  addressed.  "  I've  enough  to  do  to  steer 
the  craft,  without  thinking  o'  meddling  with  Sail's  apron  at  this  time  o' 
night," 

"  1  should  like  to  know  who  it  is  that  has  hexposed  the  old  gal  tp  the  night 
hair  in  this  here  manner,"  still  muttered  the  other,  hohling  up  the  oliject-in 
question  to  his  clo.ser  scrutiny  ;  ''it  was  only  this  morning  I  gave  her  b  pair 
of  bran  new  apron  strings,  and  helped  to  dress  her  myself.  If  she  doesms 
hang  (Ire  after  this,  I'm  a  Dutchnian — that's  all." 

'•  VYliat  signifies  jawing,  Torn  Fluke  ?    I  suppose  she  got  uakivcreJ  in  the 

>l.^  ! 


THE     PROPHECY     FC-.FILLED. 


107 


BCtirry  aflcr  tho  Yankcp ;  but  bear  a  haiul,  and  kivcr  her,  unless  yon  wish  n 
fellow  to  stay  here  all  nifilit." 

Olil  Sal,  onr  he.ircrs  ninst  know,  was  no  other  than  the  Icn;;  twenty-four 
poumler  formerly  belonKinp:  to  Gerald's  irun-lioit,  which,  now  removed  to  lils 
new  command,  lay  amid-ships,  and  mounted  on  a  pivot,  constituted  the  wholo 
battery  of  the  schooner.  The  apron  was  the  lea  I'n  coverinjj  protecting;  tho 
touoh-holc.  which,  having  nnaecountahly  fallen  off,  had  encountered  the  heavy 
foot  of  Tom  Fluke,  in  his  advance  alonj;  the  deck. 

The  apron  was  at  lenp;th  replaced.  Tom  Fluke  took  the  liolm,  and  lii.s 
i'jmpanion  departed,  as  he  said,  to  have  a  comfortahle  snooze. 

Gerald,  who  had  been  an  amused  listener  of  the  ))recedin'.f  dialogiie,  S30n 
followed,  firs*,  inquiring  into  the  condition  of  his  fiithf'ul  Sambo,  who,  on  exa- 
mination, v/as  found  to  have  been  stunned  hy  the  violence  of  the  blow  he  had 
received.  This,  Gerald  doubted  not,  had  been  given  with  the  view  of  bettor 
facilitating  De-sboiough's  escape,  by  throwing  the  schooner  out  of  her  course, 
and  occasioning  a  consequent  confusion  among  the  crew,  which  might  have 
the  ell'ect  of  distracting  their  attention  lor  a  time  from  himself. 


CHAPTER   XVn. 

Ti"  fiiilowing  evening,  an  armed  schooner  was  lying  at  anchor  in  tho  road 
stead  of  Duftalo,  at  the  .southern  extremity  of  Lnke  Erie,  and  within  a  mile  of 
the  American  shore.  It  was  past  midnight — ami  although  the  lake  was  calm 
and  unbroken  as  the  face  of  a  mirror,  a  dense  fog  had  arisen  which  prevented 
objects  at  the  liead  of  the  vessel  from  being  seen  from  the  stern.  Two  men 
only  were  visible  upon  the  after-deck  ;  the  one  lay  reclining  upon  an  arm  chest, 
nuilTled  up  in  a  dread-nought  pea  jacket,  the  other  paced  up  and  down  hur- 
riedly, anil  with  an  air  of  pre-occupation.  At  intervals  he  would  stop  and  lean 
over  the  gangway,  apparently  endeavoring  to  pierce  through  the  fog  and  catch 
a  glimpse  of  the  adjacent  shore,  and,  on  these  occasions,  a  profound  sigh  would 
burst  from  his  chest. 

"  Sanjbo."  he  at  length  exclaimed,  addressing  the  man  in  tho  pea-jacket  foi 
tho  first  time.  '•  1  .shall  retire  to  my  c.ibin,  but  fail  not  to  call  me  an  hour  be- 
fore daybreak.  Our  friends  being  all  landed,  there  can  be  nothing  further  to 
detain  us  hero,  we  will  therefore  make  the  best  of  our  way  back  to  Amhei'st- 
burg  in  the  morning."  * 

"Yes,  Massa  Geral,"  returned  tho  negro,  yawning  and  half  raising  hia 
brawny  form  from  his  rude  couch  with  one  hand,  while  he  rubbed  hi.s  heavy 
eyes  with  the  knuckles  of  the  other.  ,      , . 

"  IIow  is  your  head  to-night  ?"  inqm'rcd  the  ofliccr  in  a  kind  tone. 

'•  Tlerry  well,  Massa  Geral — but  bei-r}'  sleepy." 

'•  Then  sleep,  Sambo ;  but  do  not  fan  to  awaken  me  in  time:  we  shall  weigh 
anchor  the  very  first  thing  in  the  morning,  jjrovided  tlu;  fog  does  not  continue. 
By  the  bye,  you  .superintended  the  landing  of  the  baggage — was  everything 
sent  ashore  ?" 

'•  All,  Massa  Geral,  I  sec  him  all  pack  in  he  wagon,  for  he  Bubbalu 
town — all,  except  dis  here  I  find  in  Miss  Mungummery  cabin  under  ho 
pillow." 

As  he  spoke,  the  negro  quitted  his  half  recumbent  position,  and  drew  fi-ora 
his  breast  a  small  clasped  pocket  book,  on  a  steel  entablature  adorning  tho 
cover  of  which,  were  tho  initials  of  the  young  lady  just  named. 

"  lIow  is  it  Sambo,  that  you  had  not  .spoken  of  this  ?  The  pocket  book, 
contains  papers  that  may  be  of  importance  ;  and  yet  there  is  now  no  means  of 
forwarding  it  unless  T  delay  the  ."ichooner." 

"  I  only  find  him  hab  an  hour  ago.  Mas.sa  Geral.  when  T  goto  make  hebodg 
and  put  he  cabin  to  rights,"  said  the  old  man.  in  a  tone  that  showed  he  felt, 


. 


lOS 


MATILDA     MONTGOMERIE;     OR, 


and  was  paincfl  by  the  reproof  of  his  your.p:  master.  "  Dis  here  too,"  pro- 
ducin^r  a  small  ivory  handled  jwuknife,  "I  find  suine  time  in  he  (Jlubbanor's 
daters'  bed. 

Gerald  extended  his  hand  to  receive  it,  "A  penknife  in  the  bed  of  the 
Governor's  daughters  !"  he  repeated  with  sin-prisc.  Ruminatinjr  a  moment 
he  added  to  himself,  '•  By  heavens,  it  must  be  so — it  is  then  as  I  expected. 
Would  that  T  had  had  this  proof  of  their  participation  before  they  quitted  the 
schooner.  Very  well,  Sambo,  no  blame  can  attach  to  you — go  to  sleep  my 
good  fellow,  but  not  beyond  the  time  I  have  given  you." 

'■  Tankee,  Massa  Geral,"  and  drawing  the  collar  of  his  pea  jacket  close 
under  his  ears,  the  negro  again  extended  himself  at  his  full  length  upon  the 
arm  chest. 

In  the  fulness  of  his  indignation  at  the  young  ladies'  duplicity,  he  now  came 
to  the  resolution  of  staying  the  departure  of  the  schooner  yet  a  few  hours, 
that  ho  might  have' an  opportunity  of  going  ashore  himself,  presenting  this  un- 
doubted evidence  of  their  guilt,  and  taxing  them  boldly  with  the  purpose  to 
which  it  had  been  appropriated.  Perhaps  there  was  another  secret  motive 
which  induced  this  determination,  and  that  Was,  the  opportunity  it  would  af- 
ford him  of  again  seeing  his  beloved  Matilda,  and  delivering  her  jjocket  book 
with  his  own  band. 

This  resolution  taken,  without  deemmg  it  necessary  to  countermand  his 
order  to  Sambo,  he  placed  the  knife  in  a  pocket  in  the  breast  of  bis  uniform, 
where  he  had  already  depo.sited  the  .souvenir ;  and  having  retired  io  his  own 
cabin,  was  about  to  undre.ss  himself,  when  he  fancied  he  could  distinguish, 
through  one  of  the  stern  windows  of  the  schooner,  sounds  similar  to  those  of 
mulHed  oars.  While  ho  yet  listened  breathlessly  to  satisfy  himself  whether 
he  had  not  been  deceived,  a  dark  form  came  hurriedly,  yet  noi-selcssly,  down 
the  steps  of  the  cabin.  Gerald  turned,  and  discovered  Sambo,  who  now  per- 
fectly awake,  imlicated  by  his  manner,  he  was  the  bearer  of  some  alarming  in- 
telligence. Ilis  report  confirmed  the  suspicion  already  entertained  by  himself, 
and  at  that  moment  he  fancied  he  heard  the  same  subdued  sotmds  but  multi- 
plied in  several  distinct  points.  A  vague  .sense  of  danger  came  over  the  mind 
of  the  ofliccr,  and  .although  his  crew  consisted  of  a  mere  handful  of  men,  heat 
once  resolved  to  defend  himself  to  the  last,  agamst  whatever  force  might  bo 
led  to  the  attack.  While  Sambo  hastened  to  arouse  the  men.  he  girded  his 
cutlass  and  pistols  around  his  loins,  and  taking  down  two  huge  blunderbusses 
from  a  beam  in  the  ceiling  of  theca^^in,  loaded  them  heavily  with  musket  balls. 
Thus  armed  be  sprang  once  more  upon  deck. 

The  alarm  was  soon  given,  and  the  preparation  became  general,  but  neither 
among  the  watch,  who  slumbered  in  the  forecastle,  nor  those  who  had  turned 
into  their  hammocks,  was  there  the  .slightest  indication  of  contusion.  These 
latter  '•  tumbled  up,"  with  no  other  addition  to  the  .shirts  in  which  they  liad 
left  their  cots,  than  their  trousers,  a  liglvt  state  of  costume  to  which  those  who 
were  "  boxed  up"  in  their  pea  jackets  and  great  coats  on  the  forecastle,  soon 
reduced  themselves  also — not  but  that  the  fog  admitted  of  much  warmer  rai- 
ment, but  that  their  activity  might  be  unimpeded — hand  kerchiefed  heads  and 
tucked  up  sleeves,  with  the  habiliments  which  we  have  named,  being  the  most 
approved  fighting  dress  in  the  navy. 

Manwhile.  although  nothing  could  be  distinguished  through  the  fog,  the 
sounds  which  had  originally  attracted  the  notice  of  the  officer  and  his  trusty 
servant,  increased,  despite  of  the  caution  evidently  used,  to  such  a  degree  as 
to  be  now  audible  to  all  on  board.  What  most  excited  the  astonishment  of 
the  crew,  and  the  suspicion  of  Gerald,  was  the  exactness  of  the  course  taken 
by  the  advancing  hosts,  in  which  not  the  slightest  deviation  was  perceptible. 
It  was  evident  that  they  were  guided  hy  some  one  wha  had  well  studied  the 
distance  and  bearing  of  the  schooner  from  the  shore,  and  as  it  was  impossible 
to  hope  that  even  the  fog  would  aftbrd  them  concealment  from  the  approach- 
ing enemy,  all  that  was  left  them  was  to  make  the  best  defence  they  couUL 
One  other  alternative  remained  it  is  true,  and  this  was  to  cut  their  cable  and 


too,"  pro- 
nbbanor'a 

bed  of  the 
a  inonicnt 

expected, 
inittcd  the 

sleep  my 

cket  close 
upon  the 

now  came 
\v  hours, 
ic;  this  un- 
>urpose  to 
•et  motive 
wotild  af- 
•cket  book 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


109 


rmand  his 

5  uniform, 

o  his  own 

istinp;nish, 

o  tliosp  of 

f  whether 

isl^',  down 

)  now  per- 

nrming  in- 

)y  himself, 

but  multi- 

r  the  mind 

men,  he  at 

;  niif^ht  bo 

pirded  his 

idcrbusscs 

iskct  balls. 

ut  neither 
lad  turned 
n,  These 
thcv  had 
those  who 
istle,  soon 
iirmer  rai- 
heads  and 
;  the  most 

e  fog,  the 
his  trusty 
<legrec  a» 
:hment  of 
irsc  taken 
!rccptible. 
udied  the 
m  possible 
ipproach- 
ey  could- 
cable  and 


•How  tliemselves  to  drop  down  silently  out  of  the  course  by  which  the  bonti? 
wci*  advancing,  but  as  this  step  mvolved  the  possibility  of  running  ashore  on 
tlie  American  coast,  when  the  snme  d;mger  of  captivity  would  awaic  tl.em. 
Gerald,  after  an  instant's  consider;tion.  rojocted  the  idea,  prafcrring  the 
worthier  and  more  chivalrous  dependence  on  his  own  and  cre-y  s  exer- 
tions. 

Fiom  the  moment  of  the  general  arming,  the  long  gr.n.  which  we  have 
already  shown  to  constitute  the  solo  defence  of  the  schooner,  was  broiight 
tjoarer  to  the  inshore  gangway,  and  beinfr  motmted  on  an  elevation,  with  its 
formidable  mu/zle  overtopping  and  projecting  above  the  low  bulwarks,  could 
in  an  instant  be  brought  to  bear  on  whatever  point  it  might  be  found  advi- 
sable to  vomit  forth  its  mass  of  wrath,  consisting  of  frrape,  cannister.  and 
chain  shot.  On  this  gun,  indeed,  the  general  expectation  much  depended  ; 
for  the  crew,  composed  of  .sixteen  men  only,  exclusive  of  petty  ofTicers,  couhl 
hope  to  make  but  a  poor  resistance,  despite  all  the  resolution  they  might 
bring  into  the  contest,  against  a  squadron  of  well-armed  boats,  unless  some 
very  considerable  rliminution  in  the  numbers  and  etforts  of  these  latter  should 
be  made  by  "old  Sally,"  before  they  actually  came  to  clo.se  quarters.  The 
weakness  of  the  crew  was  in  a  great  degree  attributable  to  the  schooner  hav- 
ing biien  employed  as  a  cartel — a  fact  which  must  moreover  explain  the  want 
of  caution,  on  this  occasion,  on  the  part  of  Gerald,  who.se  reputation  for  vigi- 
lance, in  all  matters  of  duty,  was  universally  acknowledged.  It  had  not 
occurred  to  him  that  the  instant  he  landed  his  prisoners,  his  ve.s.sel  ceased  to 
be  a  cartel,  and  therefore  a  fit  subject  for  the  enterprise  of  his  enemies,  or  the 
probabilit}'  is,  that  in  the  hour  in  which  he  had  landed  them,  he  would  again 
have  weii^hed  anchor,  and  made  the  best  of  his  way  back  to  Amherstburg. 

'•  Stand  by  your  gun,  men — steady,"  whispered  the  officer,  as  the  noise  of 
many  oars  immediately  abreast,  and  at  a  distance  of  not  more  than  twenty 
yards,  announced  that  the  main  effort  of  their  enemies  was  aboiit  to  })c  made 
in  that  quarter.  "  Depress  a  little — tljcre,  you  have  her — now  into  them— 
fire." 

Fiz-z-z-z,  and  a  small  pyramid  of  liglit  rose  from  the  breech  of  the  gun, 
M'hich  sufficed,  dining  the  moment  it  lasted,  to  di.«cover  throe  boats  filled  with 
armed  men,  advancing  immediately  opposite,  while  two  others  could  be  .seen 
diverging,  apparently  one  towards  the  quarter,  the  other  towards  the  bows  of 
the  devoted  little  vessel.  The  crew  bent  their  gaze  eagerly  over  her  side  to 
witness  the  havoc  they  expected  to  ensue  among  their  enemies.  To  their 
surprise  and  mortification  there  was  no  report.  The  advancing  boats  gave 
three  deriding  cheers. 

"  D — n  my  eyes,  if  T  didn't  say  she  would  miss  fire,  from  having  her  bi*eech 
unkivered  last  night."  shouted  the  man  who  held  the  match,  an<l  wlio  was  no 
other  than  Tom  Fluke.     "  Quick,  here — give  us  a  picker  !" 

A  picker  was  handed  to  him,  b}''  one  who  also  held  the  powder-horn  for 


pnmmg. 

•'  It's  no  use,"  ho  pursued,  throwing  away  the  wire  and  springing  to  the 
"She's  a  spike  in  the  touch-hole,  and  the  devil  him.self  wouldn't  get 


dock. 

it  out  now. 

'■  A  spike  ! — what  mean  you  ?"  eagerly  demanded  Gerald. 

'^It's  too  true,  ^I^  Grantham  "  said  the  boatswain,  who  had  Hown  to  ex- 


amnie  the  touch-hole,  "  there  is  a  great  piece  of  steel  in  it,  and  for  all  the 
>'s       "■ 


world  like  a  woman's  bodkin,  or  some  such  sort  of  thing," 

"  Ah  !  it  all  comes  o'  that  wench  that  was  here  on  deck  last  night,"  mut- 
tered the  helmsman,  who  had  succeeded  Sambo  on  duty  the  precedimr  nighl. 
"T  thouglit  I  see  her  fiddlin'  about  the  gun,  when  the  cha.se  was  made  after 
the  Yankee,  although  T  didn't  think  to  say  nothin'  about  it  when  you  axed 
Tom  Fluke  about  Sal's  apron," 

Whatever  conjecture  might  have  arisen  with  others,  there  was  no  time  to 
think  of,  much  less  to  di.scuss  it — the  boats  were  already  within  a  ft  <v  yards 
tf  the  vessel. 


no 


HATIKDA     MONTOOMERIE;     OR, 


^Ut%    t«f'Uitk 


..I.  " Steiul}'^  men — silence!"  romnianded  Gerald,  in  a  low  tone.  "Since  Sfil 
has  failed  us,  we  must  depend  upon  ourselves.  Down  beneath  the  hulwarKs, 
and  njovo  not  one  of  )'ou  until  they  beyjin  to  board;  then  let  each  man  singlo 
his  enemy  and  fire  ;  the  cutlass  must  do  the  ;cst." 

The  order  was  obeyed.  Each  moment  brou':;ht  the  crisis  of  action  nc*/er; 
the  rowers  liad  discontinuod  their  oars,  but  the  bows  of  tlie  several  t»oats 
could  1)0  heard  obejina;  the  impetus  already  given  them,  and  divi(Jj«.g  tho 
water  close  to  the  vessel. 

'•  Now  then,  Sambo."  whispered  the  officer.  At  that  moment  a  to^ch  was 
raised  hi^;h  over  the  head  of  the  nefrro  and  his  master.  Its  rays  foil  cjpon  tho 
first  of  the  three  boats,  the  crews  of  which  were  seen  standipj^  up,  vtilh  arms 
outstretched  to  ;j;rapple  with  the  schooner.  Another  instant,  and  tney  would 
have  touched.     Tlie  nej2;ro  dropped  his  light. 

Gerald  pulled  the  tri<i;.t^er  of  his  blunderbuss,  aimed  into  tho  V(frf  centre  of 
the  boat.  Shrieks,  curses  and  plashings  as  of  bodies  ffilliiig  in  the  water, 
succeeded  ;  and  in  the  confusion  occasioned  by  the  nmrdjroab  fire,  the  first 
boat  evidently  fell  olF. 

"  Ajjaiu.  Sambo,"  whispered  the  officer.  A  second  time  Uio  torch  streamed 
suddenly  in  air.  and  the  contents  of  the  yet  undischarged  blunderbuss  spread 
confusion,  dismay  and  death,  into  the  second  boat. 

'■  Old  Sal  herself  couldn't  have  done  better  :  pity  he.  hadn't  a  hundred  of 
them,"  growled  Tom  Fluke,  who,  although  concealed  behind  the  bulwarks, 
had  availed  himself  of  a  crevice  near  hira,  to  watch  the  cfiect  produced  by  the 
formidable  weapons. 

There  was  a  momentary  indecision  among  the  enemy,  after  the  second  de- 
structive fire  ;  it  was  but  momentary.  Again  they  advanced,  and  closing 
■with  the  ves.sel,  evinced  a  determination  of  purpose,  that  left  little  doubt  as 
to  the  result.  A  few  spranp:  into  the  chains  and  riirging.  while  others  sought 
to  enter  by  her  bows ;  but  tho  main  effort  seemed  to  be  made  at  her  gang- 
way, at  which  Gerald  had  stationed  himself  with  ten  of  his  best  men.  the  rest 
being  detached  to  make  the  best  defence  they  could,  agamst  those  who  sought 
to  <Miter  in  the  manner  above  described. 

Notwithstanding  the  great  disparity  of  numbers,  the  little  crew  of  the 
Schooner  had  for  some  time  a  consideral)le  advantage  over  their  enemies.  At 
the  fir.st  onset  of  these  latter,  their  pistols  had  been  di.scharged.  but  in  so  ran- 
ilom  a  manner  as  to  have  done  no  injury — whereas  the  a.ssaiied.  scrupulously 
obeying  the  order  of  their  commander,  lired  not  a  shot  until  they  found  them- 
selves face  to  face  with  an  enemy  ;  the  consequence  of  which  was,  that  every 
pistol-ball  killed  an  American,  or  otherwise  placed  him  horn  dii  combat. 
Still,  in  spite  of  their  los.s,  the  latter  was  more  than  adequate  to  the  capture, 
unless  a  miracle  should  interpo.se  to  prevent  it ;  and,  exasperated  as  they 
were  by  the  fall  of  their  comrades,  their  efforts  became  at  each  moment  inon; 
resolute  and  successful.  A  deadly  contest  had  been  maintained  in  the  grang- 
way,  from  which,  liowevtT.  Gerald  was  compelled  to  retire.  alMiotigh  bravely" 
supported  by  his  handful  of  followers.  His  foi-ce  now  consisted  merely  of 
five  men  remaining  of  his  own  party,  anil  throe  of  tho.se  who  had  been  de- 
tached, who,  ail  that  were  left  alive,  had  been  compelled  to  fall  back  on  their 
commander.  How  long  he  would  have  continued  the  hopeless  and  desperate 
struggle  in  this  manner  is  doubtful,  had  not  a  fre.sli  enemy  appeared  in  hi.f 
rear.  These  were  the  crews  of  two  other  boats,  who,  having  boarded  without 
dilHculty,  now  came  up  to  the  awsistauce  of  their  comrades.  So  completely 
taken  by  sm'prise  was  Gerald  in  this  quarter,  that  the  first  intimation  lie  had 
of  his  danger  was,  in  the  violent  seizure  of  his  sword  arm  from  b-!iind,  and 
a  general  rush  upon  and  di.sarming  of  tho  remainder  of  his  followers.  On 
turning  to  liclrUi  his  enemy,  he  saw  with  concern  the  triumphant  face  of 
Desborough. 

"  Every  dog  has  his  day.  T  guess,"  huskily  chuckled  tho  settler,  as  by  tliu 
glare  of  several  torches  which  had  been  siiddonly  lighted,  he  was  now  seen 
casting  looks  of  savage  vengeance,  and  holding  his  formidable  knife  threaten- 


THE     PROPHECY     FDLFIMED. 


in 


injjly  over  the  hoad  of  ths  officer  whom  ho  had  prappled.     '•  I  reckon  as  how 
I  toI<l  )-oti  it  would  be  Jeremiah  I)oshoron;;h's  turn  next." 

"Silence,  follow — loose  your  lioM,"  shouted  one.  whose  authoritative  voico 
and  manner  announced  him  for  an  officer,  apparently  1*10  leader  of  the  board 
ing  party. 

"  I  rep;ret  much,  sir,"  pursued  the  American  commander,  seriously,  and 
turning  to  Gerald.  "  that  your  obstinate  defence  should  have  been  carried  to 
the  len3;th  it  has.  We  were  j^iven  to  understand  that  ours  wotild  not  be  an 
easy  conquest,  yet  little  deemed  it  Avould  have  been  purciiased  with  the  lives 
of  so  many  of  our  force.  Still,  even  while  we  deplore  our  loss,  have  we  liearts 
to  estimate  the  valor  of  our  foe.  I  cannot  give  you  freedom,  since  the  gift  i.s 
not  at  my  disposal  ;  but  at  least  I  may  spare  you  the  p'lin  of  surrendering  a 
blade  you  have  so  nobly  wielded.     Retain  vuur  sword,  su'." 

Gerald's  was  not  a  nature  to  remain  unlouchoil  by  such  an  act  of  cliivalrou.s 
courtes}',  and  he  expressed,  in  brief  but  pointed  terms,  his  sense  of  the  com- 
pliment. 

Five  minutes  afterwards  Gerald,  who  had  exchanged  his  trusty  cutlass  for 
the  sword  he  had  been  so  flatteringly  permitted  to  retain,  found  himself  in 
the  leading  boat  of  the  little  return  squ.adron,  and  seated  at  the  sidi;  of  his 
generous  captor. 

'•  I  think  you  said."  he  observed,  "  that  you  had  been  informed  the  conquest 
of  the  schooner  would  not  be  an  easy  one.  Would  it  be  seeking  too  much  t) 
know  who  was  your  informant." 

Tlio  American  olUcor  shook  his  head.  '•'  I  fear  T  am  not  at  liberty  oxactlj 
to  name — but  thus  much  I  may  venture  to  state,  that  the  person  who  has  ,so 
rightly  estimated  your  gallantry,  is  one  not  wholly  unknown  to  you." 

•'This  is  ambiguous.  One  question  more — weiv  j-ou  jjrepared  to  expect  the 
failure  of  the  schooner's  principal  means  of  defence,  her  long  gun  ?" 

"  If  you  reC'>llect  the  cheer  that  burst  from  my  fellows  at  the  moment  when 
the  harmless  flash  was  seen  ascending,  you  will  require  no  further  elucidation 
on  that  head,"  replied  the  American  evasively. 

This  was  sufficient  for  Gerald.  lie  folded  his  arms,  R.ank  his  head  ujion  his 
chest,  and  continued  to  muse  deeply.  Soon  afterwards  the  bo;it  touched  the 
beach,  where  many  of  the  citizens  were  assembled  to  hear  tidings  of  the  enter- 
prize  and  congratulate  the  victors.  Thence  ho  was  conducteil  to  the  neat  littlo 
inn,  wliich  was  the  only  accommodation  the  small  town,  or  rather  village  of 
Buffalo,  at  that  time  aQbrded. 


CHAPTER  XVIIT. 


At  the  termination  of  the  memoral.lc  war  of  the  Revolution — that  war, 
which,  on  the  one  haiid,  severed  the  ties  that  bound  tlie  Colonies  in  interest 
and  ailcction  with  the  parent  land,  and  on  the  other,  secured,  as  by  way  of 
indemnification,  to  have  riveted  the  Oanadas  in  closer  love  to  their  adopted 
mother — hundreds  of  families  who  had  remained  staunch  in  their  allegiance 
quitted  the  American  soil,  to  which  they  had  been  unwillingly  transferred, 
and  hastened  to  close,  on  one  side  of  the  vast  chain  of  waters  that  separated 
the  de.scend.ants  of  France  from  the  descendants  of  flngland,  the  evening  of  an 
existence,  whose  morning  and  noon  had  been  passed  on  the  other.  Among 
the  number  of  these  was  Major  Grantham,  who.  at  the  close  of  the  Revolution, 
had  espoused  a  daughter  (the  only  remaining  child)  of  Frederick  and  Madelino 
Dc  Haldimar,  whosemany  vicissitudes  of  suffering  prior  to  their  marriage,  have 
been  fully  detailed  in  Wacousta.  When,  at  that  period,  the  different  garrisons 
on  the  frontier  were  given  up  to  the  American  troop.s,  the  several  British 
regiment  1  crossed  over  into  Canada,  and.  after  a  short  terra  of  service  in  that 
countiy,  were  successively  relieved  by  fresh  corps  torn  England.    One  of  tho 


119 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;    OR, 


eaalic.st  recnlled  of  those  was  the  regiment  of  Colonel  Frederick  Pe  Tl.aldlmftr. 
^  Local  interests,  however,  nttaohinf;  his  son-in-hiw  to  Upper  Can.iil.i,  tljo  latter 
had,  on  the  reduction  of  his  corps,  a  provincial  regiment,  well  known  throiijj;h- 
out  the  war  of  the  Ilcvointion,  for  its  strength,  activity,  and  good  .servico 
finally  fixed  himself  at  Amhersthiirf^. 

In  the  domestic  relations  of  life  Major  Grantham  was  exemplar}',  although 
perhaps  his  rigid  notions  of  right  had  obtained  I'or  him  more  of  the  respect 
than  of  the  love  of  those  who  came  within  their  influence,  and  yet  no  mean 
I)ortiun  of  botli.  Tenderly  attaclieil  to  his  wife,  whom  he  had  lost  when 
(fciald  was  yet  in  his  twelfth  year,  he  had  not  ceased  to  deplore  her  loss  ;  and 
this  perhaps  had  contributed  to  nourish  a  reservcflne.ss  of  disposition,  which, 
without  at  all  aiming  at,  or  pur[)Osing.  such  eflect,  insensibly  tended  to  tho 
production  of  a  correspontling  reserve  on  the  part  of  his  children,  that  increased 
with  their  years.  Indeed,  on  their  mother  all  the  tenderness  of  their  young 
hearts  had  been  lavished,  and,  when  they  suddenly  saw  themselves  deprived 
other  who  loved  and  had  been  loved  by  them,  with  doting  fondness,  they  felt 
as  if  a  void  had  been  left  in  their  aflections  which  the  less  tender  evidences  of 
paternal  love  were  but  insufhcient  wholly  to  sujjply.  Still — although  not  to 
the  same  extent — did  they  love  their  father  also  ;  and  what  was  wanted  in 
intensity  of  feeling  was  inoie  than  made  up  by  tlwi  deep,  the  exalted  respect, 
they  entertained  for  his  principles  and  conduct.  It  was  with  pride  they  be- 
held him,  not  merely  the  deservedly  idolized  of  the  low,  but  the  respected  of 
the  high — the  example  of  one  class,  and  the  revered  of  another  ;  one  who.se 
high  position  in  the  social  circle  had  been  attained,  less  by  his  striking  exterior 
advantages  than  tho  inward  worth  that  governed  every  action  of  his  life,  and 
whose  moral  character,  as  completely  smis  taclie  as  his  fulfilment  of  the  social 
duties  was  proverbially  sans  rfproche,  could  not  fail,  in  a  certain  degree,  to 
^  reflect  the  respect  it  commanded  upon  themselves. 

As  we  have  before  observed,  however,  all  the  fervor  of  their  affection  had 
been  centered  in  their  mother,  and  that  was  indeed  a  melancholy  night  in 
which  the  youths  had  been  summoned  to  watch  the  pa.ssing  away  of  her  gentle 
spirit  for  ever  from  their  love.  Lsabella  I)e  Ilaldimar  ha(i,  from  ner  earliest 
infancy,  been  remarkable  for  her  quiet  and  contemplative  character  ;  and  bred 
amid  scenes  that  brought  at  every  retrospect  recollections  of  some  acted  hor- 
ror, it  is  not  surprising  that  the  bias  given  by  nature  should  have  been 
developed  and  strengthened  by  the  events  that  had  surrounded  her.  Not  (lis- 
similar  in  disposition,  as  she  was  not  unlike  in  form,  to  her  mother,  she  was  by 
that  mother  carefullv  endowed  with  those  gentler  attributes  of  goodi\ess, 
which,  taking  root  within  a  soil  .so  eminently  disposed  to  their  reception,  could 
not  fail  to  render  her  in  after  life  a  model  of  excellence,  both  as  a  niothcjr  and 
a  wife.  Notwithstanding,  however,  this  moulding  of  her  pliant  and  well- 
directed  mind,  there  was  about  her  a  melancholy,  which,  while  it  gave  promise 
of  the  devoted  affection  of  the  mother,  offered  but  little  prospect  of  clieerful- 
ness,  in  an  union  with  one,  who,  reserved  himself  could  not  he  expected  to 
temper  that  melancholy  by  the  introduction  of  a  gaiety  th.TV  was  not  natural 
to  him.  And  yet  it  was  for  this  very  melancholy,  tender  and  fascinating  in  her, 
that  Major  Grantham  had  .sought  the  hand  of  Isabella  De  Ilaldimar  ;  and  it 
was  for  the  very  austerity  and  reserve  of  his  general  manner,  more  than  from 
the  manly  beauty  of  his  tall  dark  person,  that  he  too  had  becotne  the  object 
of  her  secret  choice  long  before  he  had  proposed  foi-  her. 

The  austerity  which  Major  Grantham  carried  with  him  into  public  life  was, 
if  not  wholly  laid  aside,  at  least  considerably  softened,  in  the  presence  of  his 
wife,  and  when,  later,  the  birth  of  two  sons  crowned  their  union,  there  wa& 
nothing  left  ner  to  desire  which  it  was  in  the  power  of  circumstances  to  bestow. 
Mrs.  De  Haldiniar  had  not  taken  into  account  the  clfect  likely  to  be  produ  -'d 
by  A  separation  from  herself — the  final  severing,  as  it  were,  of  every  tie  of 
blood.  Of  the  four  children  wlio  had  composed  the  family  of  Colonel  Frederick 
De  Haldiniar,  the  two  oldest  (officers  in  his  own  corps)  had  perished  in  the 
wsr ;  the  fourth,  a  daughter,  had  died youngj  of  a  decline:  uud  the  loss  of  the 


Llio  latter 
thronj^h- 
1  scrvico 

althongli 
10  respect 
no  nu'im 
)st  when 
loss ;  aii'i 
n,  which, 
■fl  to  tho 
increased 
;!ir  J'onn;:; 
i  tleprivod 
they  felt 
ilcnccs  of 
<^h  not  to 
\'ante(l  in 
1  respect, 
!  they  bc- 
pecte'i  of 
no  wliose 
<y  exterior 
s  life,  and 
the  social 
legree,  to 

?tion  had 

nifiht  in 
wr  jientle 
r  earliest 

and  hred 
icted  hor- 
luvo  heen 

Not  dis- 
le  was  hy 
j^oo'iness, 
ion. could 
other  and 
And  well- 
e  proinisff 

cheerfiil- 
peoled  to 

t  natural 
n;;;  in  licr, 
;  and  it 

han  fron\ 
the  object 

!  life  was, 
ice  of  his 
i,herc  w-as^ 
o  bestow, 
produ'  -^d 
ii-y  tie  of 
Frederick 
ed  in  the 
)S3  of  the 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


113 


former  especially,  who  had  j^rown  up  with  her  from  chihlhooJ  to  youth,  wu» 
deeply  felt  by  the  sensitive  Isabella.  With  the  dreadful  scenes  perpetrated  at 
Detroit — scenes  in  which  their  family  had  been  the  princifial  sufferers — tho 
boys  had  been  familiarized  by  the  soldiers  of  their  father's  regiment,  wiio  oftea 
took  them  to  th«  several  points  most  worthy  of  remark  from  the  incidents 
connected  with  them  ;  and,  pointinjrout  the  spots  on  which  their  uncle  Charles 
and  their  aunt  Clara  liad  fallen  victims  to  the  terriljle  hatred  of  Wacousla  for 
their  grandfather,  detailed  the  horrors  of  thossc  days  with  a  rude  fidelity  of 
coloriuf^  that  brou^rht  dismay  and  indignation  to  the  hearts  of  their  wondering 
and  youtlii'ul  auditors.  On  these  occasions  Isabella  became  the  depository  of 
all  they  had  gleaned.  To  her  they  confided,  under  the  same  pledge  of  secrecy 
that  had  been  exacted  from.themsclves,  every  circumstance  of  horror  connected 
with  those  days  ;  nor  were  they  satislled,  until  they  had  shown  lier  tho.se 
scenes  with  which  so  many  dreadful  recollections  were  associated. 

Thus  was  the  melancholy  of  L:.ibelhi  fed  by  the  very  silence  in  which  she 
was  compelfed  to  indulge.  Often  was  her  pillow  wotted  with  tears,  as  sha 
passed  in  review  the  several  fearful  incidents  connected  with  the  tale  in  which 
her  brothers  had  so  deeply  interested  her,  and  she  would  have  given  worlds 
at  those  moments,  had  they  been  hers  to  bestow,  to  recal  to  life  and  animation 
the  beloved  but  unfortunate  uncle  and  aunt,  to  whose  fate,  her  brothers  as- 
sured her,  even  their  veteran  friends  never  alluded  without  sorrow.  Often, 
too,  did  she  dwell  on  the  share  her  own  fond  mother  had  borne  in  those  tran- 
sactions, and  the  angui-sh  which  must  have  pierced  her  heart  when  first  appriz- 
ed of  the  loss  of  her,  whom  she  had  even  th^^n  loved  with  all  a  mother's  love. 
Nay,  more  than  once,  while  gazing  on  the  face  of  the  former,  her  inmost  soul 
piven  up  to  the  recollection  of  all  she  had  endured,  first  at  Alichillimackmac, 
and  afterwards  at  Detroit,  had  .she  unconsciously  suffered  the  tears  to  course 
down  her  cheeks  without  an  effort  to  restrain  them.  Ignorant  of  the  cause, 
Mrs.  De  Haldimar  only  ascribed  this  emotion  to  the  natural  melancholy  of  her 
daughter's  character,  and  then  she  would  gently  chide  her.  and  seek,  by  a 
variety  of  means,  to  divert  her  thoughts  into  some  lively  channel  ;  but  sho 
liad  little  success  in  the  attempt  to  eradicate  reflections  already  rooted  in  so 
congenial  a  soil. 

Her  sister  died  vcr}'  young,  and  .she  scarcely  felt  her  loss  ;  but  when,  subse- 
quently, the  vicissitudes  of  a  military  life  had  deprived  her  for  ever  of  her 
belovea  brothers,  lier  melancholy  increased.  It  was  however  the  silent,  tear- 
less mclanchol}-.  that  knows  not  the  paroxysm  of  outrageous  grief  The 
quiet  resignation  of  her  character  formed  an  obstacle  to  the  inioads  of  all 
vivacious  sorrow  ;  yet  was  her  health  not  the  less  effectually  undermined  by 
the  slow  action  of  her  innate  feeling,  unfortunatel}-  too  much  fostered  by  out- 
ward influences.  By  her  marriage  and  tho  birth  of  her  sons,  whom  she  loved 
with  all  a  mother's  fondness,  her  mental  malady' had  been  materially  diminislir 
cd,  and  indeed  in  a  great  degree  superseded,  but  unhappily,  previous  to  these 
events,  it  had  seriously  eflected  her  constitution,  and  produced  a  morbid 
.susceptibilitj'  of  mind  and  person,  that  exposed  her  to  be  overwhelmed  l)y  the 
occurrence  of  any  of  those afllictions  which  otherwise  she  might,  with  ordinary 
fortitude,  have  endured.  When  therefore  intelligence  from  England  announced 
that  her  parents  had  both  perished  in  a  hurricane  on  their  route  to  the  West 
Indies,  wnithcr  the  regiment  of  Colonel  De  Haldimar  had  been  ordered,  the 
shock  was  too  great  for  her,  mentally  and  physically  enfeebled  a»  she  ha4 
been,  to  si'slain,  and  she  sank  gradually  under  this  final  infliction  of  Provi- 
dence. 

Major  Grantham  beheld  with  dismay  the  effect  of  this  blow  upon  his  bo- 
loved  wife.  Fell  consumption  had  now  marked  her  for  her  own,  and  ."O  rapid 
was  the  progres?  of  the  disease  acting  on  a  temperament  already  toa  much  pre- 
disposed to  its  influence,  that,  in  despite  of  all  human  preventives,  the 
Bonsitive  Isabella,  before  six  months  had  elapsed,  was  summoaed  to  a  better 
world. 

8 


Ill 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;     OR, 


"\V»!  wi;J  pnss  over  the  flccp  jrrii-f  whifli  [jroyo'l  upon  the  hearts  of  thft  iin- 
fortiin.itc  lii-olhcr.s  for  wcoks  lU'tor  they  Iiiul  hccn  coiiipi'lled  to  ncknowlcdKe 
tho  st<TH  truth  that  thoy  were  iuihrd  motherh'ss. 

It  Uiis  huou  after  this  event,  thiit  the  first  seeds  of  disunion  hepan  to  si)rinp; 
Mp  between  lOiujIand  imd  the  United  States,  the  inevitahle  results  of  which,  it 
wn«  anticipated,  would  ho  the  involvintjof  Canada  in  the  stru^'sl'* ;  "!>••  ""t- 
withstandini;  the  ex[)losion  did  not  take  place  for  several  years  afterwatvis, 
])reparations  were  tna<lo  on  cither  shore,  to  an  extent  that  kept  the  spirit  of 
enterprise  on  the  alert. 

[nhcritinjr  the  inartial  spirit  of  their  family,  tho  inclinations  of  tho  youn{» 
flranthanis  led  them  to  the  service  ;  and.  as  their  father  (lould  have  no  reason- 
ahie  ohjcc'tion  to  ojjjioso  to  a  choice  which  promised  not  merely  to  secure*  liiii 
Kons  in  an  eli;;il)lc  |)rofession,  but  to  render  tliem  ill  some  dcsreo  of  benefit  to 
their  country,  ho  consented  to  their  view.s.  Oerahl's  preference  leadin[»  him 
to  the  navy,  ho  was  placed  on  that  establishment  as  a  mitlshii)man  ;  whilo 
Henry,  several  years  later,  obtained,  throujrh  th(!  influence  of  theii;  father's  old 
frienci  (jencral  T?rock,  an  cnsi^rncy  in  tlio  Kini^'s  Regiment. 

Meanwhile.  Major  Granthnm.  wliot^o  reserve  appc^ared  to  have  increased 
since  the  death  of  his  wife,  seemed  to  seek,  in  the  active  discliar<i:o  of  his  ma- 
gisterial duties,  a  relief  from  tho  recollection  of  the  loss  lie  had  sustained  ;  and 
it  was  about  tlii.s  period  that,  in  consequence  of  many  of  the  American  settler."? 
in  (Canada,  havinjr,  in  anticipation  of  a  rupture  between  the  two  countries,  .se- 
cretly withdrawn  themselves  to  the  opposite  .shore,  liis  exaction  of  tho 
duties  of  JJritish  .subject.s  from  those  who  remained,  became  more  vigorou.s 
thaji  ever. 

Wii  fiave  already  .shown  Desborough  to  liavo  liecn  tho  most  unruly  and 
disonlerly  of  the  worthless  set ;  and  as  no  opportunity  was  omitted  of  com- 
peliiug  him  to  renew  his  oath  of  allegiance,  (while  his  general  conduct  wag 
strictly  watched),  tho  hatred  of  the  uvin  for  the  stern  magistrate  was  daily 
matured,  until  at  length  it  grow  into  an  inextinguishable  desire  for  revenge. 

'iW  chief,  and  almost  oidy  recreation,  in  which  Major  Crrantham  indulged, 
was  tiiat  of  fowling.  An  excellent  shot  himself  he  had  been  in  .some  degree 
tim  instructor  of  his  sons ;  and,  although,  owing  to  the  wooded  nature  of  the 
country,  the  facilities  atlbrdcd  to  tho  enjoyment  of  his  favorite  pu&snit  m  the 
orthodox  maimer  of  a  trua  English  sportsman,  were  few,  still,  a.s'  game  was 
everywhere  abundant,  ho  had  continued  to  turn  to  account  tho  advantages 
that  were  actually  olfered.  Both  Gerald  and  Henry  hail  been  his  earlier 
companioiLS  in  the  sport,  but,  of  late  years  and  especially  since  the  death  of 
their  mother,  ho  had  been  in  the  habit  of  going  out  alone. 

It  was  one  morning  in  that  season  of  tho  year  when  the  migratory  pigeon.s 
pursue  their  coiu-se  towards  what  are  termeil  tho  "  burnt  woods,"  on  which 
they  feed,  and  in  such  numbers  as  to  cover  the  surface  of  the  heavens,  as  with 
a  dense  and  darkening  cloud,  that  Major  Grantham  sallied  forth  at  early  dawn, 
with  his  favorite  dog  and  gun.  and,  as  was  his  cus^tom,  towards  Hartley'.s 
point.  Di.sdaining,  as  imworthj''  of  his  skill,  the  myriads  of  ])igoons  that 
everywhere  presented  themselves,  he  passed  from  the  skirt  of  the  forest  to- 
wards an  extensive  swamj),  in  tho  rear  of  Hartley's,  which,  abounding  in 
golden  plover  and  .snipe,  usually  afforded  him  a  plentiful  supj)ly.  On  this  oc- 
casion ho  was  singularly  successful,  and,  having  bagged  as  many  birds  as  he 
c^uld  conveniently  carr}'.  was  in  the  act  of  ramming  down  his  last  charge, 
when  tlie  report  of  a  shot  came  unexpectedly  from  the  forest.  In  the  next  in- 
stant he  was  sensible  he  was  wounded,  and.  placing  his  hand  to  his  back,  felt 
it  wet  with  blood.  As  there  was  at  tho  moment  sevenil  largo  wild  ducks 
within  a  few  yards  of  the  spot  where  he  .'»tood,  and  between  himself  and  tho 
person  who  had  fired,  he  at  once  concluded  that  he  had  been  the  victim  of  an 
accident,  and,  feeling  the  neces.sity  of  assistance,  ho  called  loudly  on  the  unseen 
sportsman,  to  come  forward  to  his  aid  ;  but.  although  his  demand  was  several 
times  rcpeatcdj  no  answer  was  returned,  and  no  onf  appeared.     With  soaio 


THE     PROrHECY     rttriLLSD. 


llfr 


f  thft  iin- 
.no\vloii(;e 

to  sprin;;; 
'  whicli,  it 

llivl.   IK't- 

ttT  wards, 
J  spirit  of 

ho  yontij; 
lorojison- 
sccuro  liii< 
bcTU'flt  to 
luWnff  Iiiin 
^n  ;  wliiio 
ithcr's  old 

increased 
)f  his  mil- 
incd  ;  and 
in  settlors 
intrios,  so- 
m  of  tho 
vigoroii.s 

nnily  and 
d  of  coin- 
idiict  Vt'na 
was  daily 
r  roviMipc. 
.  indnlfj;cd, 
rue  dogroo 
ire  of  the 
■;nit  in  the 
pamo  was 
dvanta.i^cs 
lis  carli(!r 
J  death  of 

y  pijjpons 
on  which 
s,  as  with 
irly  rlawn, 
Hartley's 
cons  that 
forest  to- 
undin<5  in 
)n  this  oc- 
irds  as  he 
it  charjje, 
e  next  in- 
back,  felt 
ild  ducks 
If  and  tho 
^tim  of  an 
he  unseen 
•as  s(weral 
Tith  somo 


ifHTlcuIty  ho  rontrivoil.  after  disemhnrrassinfj  hini-iclf  of  liis  p^mo-baj];,  to  roach 
the  f;iruj   at    Hartley's,   wJiere   every  a-^sistanco   wius   alfordud  him,  au<l,  •'-^, 
wa^jron  hnvinj?  hcon  pn)cured,  ho  was  eoiiducteil  to  his  hoiiiu,  when,  on  ax*   i 
Rinination.  the  wound  was  pronounced  to  l)e  luortai. 

On  the  third  <lay  from  this  event.  Major  Grantham  bn'athcd  his  latt,  1)^ 
qmatliin};;  the  jruardianship  of  his  sons  to  Colonel  D'Ej^villc,  who  hod  juarricd 
his  sister.  At  this  epoch,  (Jerald  was  absent  with  his  vorscI  on  a  cniiue.  but 
Henry  receivcti  his  partincr  blossmi;  upon  both,  accompauioil  by  a  solemn  in- 
jiinetion,  timt  they  shouhl  never  be  puilty  of  any  act  which  could  sully  thd 
memory,  either  of  their  mother  or  himself.  This  Henry  promised,  in  tha 
name  of  both,  most  reliy:ioiisly  to  observe  ;  an<l,  when  Gerald  returned,  and  to 
his  utter  dismay  beheld  the  lifeless  form  of  the  parent,  whom  ho  had  quitteil 
only  a  few  days  before  in  all  tho  viijor  of  health,  ho  not  only  renewcil  the 
[iloilfie  piven  by  his  brother,  but  with  tho  vivacity  of  character  habitual  to 
him,  called  down  the  venj^eance  of  Heaven  u{)on  his  head,  should  he  ever  bo 
found  to  swerve  from  thoso  principles  of  honor,  which  had  been  so  sedulously 
inculcated  in  him. 

Meanwhile,  there  was  notliinj?  to  throw  even  the  faintest  lifjhton  tho  actual 
oause  of  Afaj(»r  Grantham's  death.  On  the  ilrst  probinp  and  dressing  of  tho 
Wouml.  the  murderous  lead  had  been  extracted,  and.  as  tt  was  discovered  to 
be  a  rille  ball  it  was  taken  for  granted  that  .some  Indian,  en^jjaged  in  tho  cha.se, 
had,  in  the  ea!»erness  of  pursuit,  misvsed  an  intermediate  object  at  whi(;h  he 
had  taken  aim  and  lo(i<;cd  the  ball  accidentally  in  the  body  of  tho  old  gentle- 
man ;  and  tlmt.  terrified  at  discovery  of  the  mischief  he  had  done,  and  perhaps 
apprelientliug  punishment,  he  had  hastily  fled  from  the  spot,  to  avoid  detec- 
tion, This  opinion,  unanimously  entertained  by  the  townspeople,  was  shared 
by  the  brothers,  who  knowing  the  unbounded  love  an<l  respect  of  all  for  their 
parent,  dreamt  not  for  one  moment  that  his  death  could  have  been  the  result 
of  preiUcditation.  It  was  left  for  Desborrongh  to  avow,  at  a  later  period,  that 
he  had  been  tho  murderer;  and  with  what  startling  elfect  on  him.  to  whom 
the  admission  was  exultiiigly  made,  we  have  already  seen. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Autumn  had  passed  a^A'ay.  and  winter,  the  stern  invigorating  winter  of 
beautiful  America  had  already  covered  the  earth  with  enduring  snows,  and 
the  waters  with  bridges  of  seemingly  eternal  ice,  and  yet  no  ellbrt  had  been 
made  by  the  Americans  to  rcpos.scss  themselves  of  tho  country  they  had 
so  recently  lost.  The  several  garrisons  of  Detroit  and  Maiden,  reposing  under 
the  lauieis  they  had  so  easily  won.  made  holiday  of  their  con(|ucst ;  and, secure 
in  the  distance  that  separated  them  from  the  more  populous  districts  of  the 
Union,  seemed  to  have  taken  it  for  granted  that  they  had  played  their  final 
part  in  the  active  operations  of  tho  war.  and  would  be,  sullered  to  reinain  ia 
undisturbed  po.sse.ssion.  l)Ut  the  storm  was  already  brewing  in  the  far  dis- 
tance which,  advancing  progressively  like  the  waves  of  the  coming  tempest, 
•was  destined  first  to  .shake  them  in  their  security,  and  finally  to  overwhelm 
them  in  its  vortex.  With  the  natural  enterprise  of  their  character,  the  Ame- 
ricans had  no  sooner  ascertained  the  fall  of  Detroit,  than  mean.s.  .slow  but  cer- 
tain, were  taken  for  tl?  re<^overy  of  a  post,  with  which,  their  national  glory 
was  in  no  slisht  degree  identified.  The  country  whence  they  drew  their  re- 
Rources  for  the  occasirn,  were  the  new  states  of  Ohio  and  Kentucky,  and  one 
who  had  previously  travelled  through  tho.se  immense  tracts  of  forests,  where 
the  dwellimr  of  the  i)ackwood.sman  is  met  with  at  long  intervals,  would  have 
marvelled  at  the  zeal  and  promptitude  with  which  these  adventurous  people. 
abanilQiiing  their  homes,  and  nisregardiiig  their  personal  interests,  flocked  to 
the  several  ra'lying  points.     Armed  nnd  accoutred  at  their  own  expense,  with 


110 


MATILDA     MONTOn M R RIR ;     OR, 


Iho  nnftirinp;  riHc.thjt  proyidml  thorn  with  frnmc,  nnd  the  fnithful  liatrhct  that 
had  brought  down  the  dnrk  forest  into  nady  Kiif>j(>rtion  to  thnir  will,  ihcir 
cinim  npon  thu  piihlic  w;is  for  thi>  mere  nustcnnntM!  they  required  on  .■^ervin^ 
It  is  tnio  that  this  pnrtini  infh'pemlenre  of  tho  Oovernii.ent  whom  they  served 
rntlier  in  the  rhiirnrter  of  vohinteers.  than  of  conscripts,  was  in  a  trreiit  ine,n- 
■iiro  fiitJiI  to  their  discipline  ;  htjt  in  tlie  pecidinr  wiirfiirc  of  the  country,  nb- 
nencc  of  dis(!ip1ine  wns  rather  on  ftilviuitn're  than  a  «lenii)rit.  siijce  when 
chocked,  or  thrown  into  confusion,  they  looked  not  for  n  n-niedy  in  the  re- 
fluniption  of  order,  lint  in  the  e,xorciso  ouch  of  his  own  individnal  exertions, 
facilitated  as  he  was  by  his  general  knowledge  of  lo<mlitioH,  and  his  cunliiienco 
in  his  own  personal  resources. 

But,  althonsh  new  nrniics  were  speedily  orjranized — if  orcranizo<l  may  bo 
termed  thoao  who  bronght  with  them  into  tho  contest  nuich  conrni^e  and  do- 
Totedncss,  yet  little  discipline — tho  Americans,  in  this  instance,  proceeded  with 
ft  caution  that  proved  their  respect  for  tho  IJritish  garrison.  HtronirIysnpj)Oi  ted 
•8  it  was  by  a  numerous  force  of  Indians.  Wifliin  two  motilhs  after  tlio 
capitulation  of  Detroit,  a  considerable  army.  Ohioans  and  Ivenluekians  with 
some  regtilar  infantry,  had  been  pushed  forward  as  with  a  view  to  feel  their 
way  ;  but  these  havmg  been  checked  by  tho  sudden  appoaranco  of  a  detach- 
ment from  Fort  Maiden,  had  limited  their  advance  to  tho  Miami  lliver.  on  the 
banks  of  which,  and  on  the  ruins  of  one  of  tho  old  English  forts  of  Pontinc'.s 
day.s,  thoy  had  constructed  new  fortifications,  and  otherwise  strongly  en- 
trenched themselves.  It  was  a  mistake,  however,  to  imagine  that  the  enemy 
would  bo  content  with  establishing  liimself  here.  Tho  new  fort  merely  served 
as  a  nucleus  for  tho  concentration  of  such  resources  of  men  ami  warlike  equip- 
ment, as  were  necessary  to  tho  subjection,  firstly  of  Detroit,  and  nfterwardn 
of  Fort  Maiden.  Deprived  of  the  means  of  transport,  the  shallow  bed  of  tho 
Miami  aiding  them  but  little,  it  was  a  matter  of  no  mean  ditiiculty  with  the 
Americans  to  convey,  through  several  hundred  miles  of  forest,  tlie  heavy  guns 
thoy  required  for  battering,  and  as  it  was  only  at  intervals  this  could  b« 
efl'ected — the  most  patient  endurance  and  unrelaxing  perseverance  being  no- 
cessarj'  to  the  end.  From  tho  inactivity  of  this  force,  or  rather  the  confh'e- 
mcnt  of  its  operations  to  objects  of  defence,  the  English  garrison  had  calcu- 
lated on  undisturbed  security,  at  least  throughout  tho  winter,  if  not  for  n 
longer  period  ;  but  although  it  wa.s  not  until  this  latter  seasoji  was  far  ad- 
Tanced,  that  the  enemy  broke  up  from  his  entrenchments  on  the  Miami,  and 
pushed  himself  forward  for  tho  attainment  of  his  final  view,  the  error  of  im- 
puting inactivity  to  him  was  discovered  at  a  moment  when  it  was  least  ex- 
pected. 

It  was  during  a  public  ball  given  at  Amherstbtu-g.  on  the  18th  of  Januarj', 
1813,  that  the  first  intelligence  was  brought  of  the  advance  of  a  strong  Antcr* 
ican  force,  whose  object  it  was  supposed  was  to  push  rapidly  on  to  Detroit, 
leaving  Amherstburg  behind  to  bo  dispoii"d  of  later.  The  oflicer  who  brought 
this  intelligence  was  the  fat  Lieutenant  Raj'mond.  who.  comman<ling  an  out- 
post at  the  distance  of  some  leagues,  had  been  surprised,  and  aftor  a  resistanco 
Tcry  creditable  under  tho  circumstances,  driven  in  by  the  American  advanced 
guard  with  a  loss  of  nearly  half  his  command. 

Thus  was  the  same  consternation  produced  in  the  ball-room  at  Amherst- 
burg, that  at  a  later  period  occurred  in  a  similar  place  of  amusement  at  IJrus- 
aels ;  and  although  not  followed  by  the  same  momentous  public  results,  pro- 
ducing the  same  host  of  fluttering  fears  and  anxieties  in  the  bosoms  of  tho 
female  votaries  uf  Terpsichore.  We  believe,  however,  that  there  existed  some 
dissimilarity  in  the  several  modes  of  communication — the  Duke  of  Welling- 
.  ton  receiving  his,  with  some  appearance  of  regard  on  the  part  of  tho  commu- 
nicator for  the  nerves  of  the  ladies,  while  to  Colonel  St.  Julian,  commanding 
ftt  Amherstburg,  and  engaged  at  that  moment  at  the  whist-table,  the  news 
was  imparted  in  stentorian  tones,  whidi  were  audible  to  every  one  in  the  ad- 
Joining  ball-room. 

But  even  if  his  voice  had  not  ')een  heard,  the  appearance  of  Lieutenant  Ray- 


THE     I'ROPHBCY     rU^FILLKD. 


Ill 


moiul  would  liavo  jiistiflo<l  tho  npprohcii-ion  of  any  ri-afonalilo  person;  for,  in 
tliu  iiii|Kirtaiico  uf  tho  iiioinciit,  ho  lin<l  not  ilccmuil  it  noccssary  to  inuko  any 
diiinac  in  tin;  »lrfs,><  in  wlticli  lie  had  hcon  siirpri.scd  and  driven  harU  Let  iho 
rcuTlcr  ti^vno  to  hinisflf  a  mniarkahly  fat,  rodily  faced  man.  of  niiddiinj;  n'^\ 
<lreKsud  in  a  pair  uf  tightly  llttiuK,  dread-nan<;ht  trowrierM,  and  a  shell  jackut 
tliat  ha  I  once  hecn  scjulot,  but  now,  from  use  and  ex|»osnrp,  rather  rcseinhled 
th'(  c  )l(ir  of  hrickdiisi ;  hoots  from  which  all  polisli  had  heen  taken  hy  the 
preax'  cinpIoytMl  to  rend-r  them  snow-proof;  a  brace  of  pistols  thrust  into 
tho  black  waist  belt  that  encircled  his  hiif^e  circumference,  and  from  which 
<lcp'.;nded  a  swortl,  whoso,  i.teul  scabbard  sliowed  the,  rust  of  tho  rudest  bi- 
vouac. Let  him,  moreover,  lij^ure  to  himself  that  ruddy,  carbuncled  face,  anJ 
nearly  as  rudily  brow,  sutl'usefl  with  perspiration,  althouj^h  in  n  desperately 
cold  winter's  nii;ht,  antl  the  unwasheil  hands,  and  mouth,  and  lips  black  from 
the  frequent  biting  of  the  ends  of  cartrid};es,  while  ever  and  anon  the  pulJeJ 
cheeks,  in  the  ellort  to  procure  air  ami  relievo  tho  pantiii^  chest,  recul  theide* 
of  a  HacchuK,  after  one  of  his  most  lenj;thened  ori^ies — let  him  figure  all  this. 
and  if  he  will  ad<l  short,  curling,  wiry,  damp  hair,  surmounting  a  ho.-id  aj« 
round  as  a  turnip,  a  snubby,  red.  rctroiumi  nose,  and  lif.5ht  fi^ny  eyes  ;  ho  will 
have  a  toleniblo  idea  of  the  startliujj;  li^^uro  that  thus  abruptly  made  its  ap- 

{•earance  in  the  person  of  Lieutenant  llaymoiid,  first  among  the  dancers,  and 
(ustlinsly  thence  into  the  adjoininj^  card-room. 

At  the  moment  uf  his  entrance,  every  eye  had  been  turned  upon  this  strange 
apparition,  while  an  almost  instinctive  si  use  of  the  cause  of  his  presence  per- 
vaded every  breast.  Indeed  it  was  impo-ssible  to  behold  him  arrayed  in  tho 
l)ivouac  pari)  m  whi(;h  we  have  de.scribed  him,  contrasted  as  it  was  with  tho 
clcfiant  ball  dresses  of  his  brother  otlicer.'J,  and  not  attribute  his  presence  to 
some  extraordijiary  niotive;  and  as  almost  every  one  in  the  room  was  aware 
of  his  having  been  absent  on  detachment,  his  mission  had  been  half  divined, 
even  before  he  h.id  opened  his  lips  to  Colonel  St.  Julian,  for  whom,  on  enter- 
ing, he  had  hurriedly  inquired. 

Hut  when  tho  latter  oHiccr  was  seen  soon  at'terwards  to  rise  from  and  leave 
tlie  card-table,  and,  after  communicating  hurriedly  with  the  several  heads  of 
departments,  quit  altogether  the  scene  of  festivity,  there  could  be  no  longer  a 
doubt ;  and,  as  in  all  ca.ses  of  the  sort,  the  danger  was  magnified,  as  it  flevr 
from  lip  to  lip,  even  as  the  tiny  snow-ball  becomes  a  mountain  by  the  acces- 
sion it  receives  in  its  rolling  course. ,  Suddenly  tho  dance  was  discontinued, 
and  indeed  in  time,  for  tho  fingers  of  the  non-combatant  musicians,  .sharing  in 
the  general  nervousness,  had  already  given  notice,  by  numerous  falsettos,  of 
their  inability  to  proceed  much  longer.  Bonnets,  cloak.s,  muffs,  tippets,  shawls, 
snow-shoes,  and  all  the  parajjliernalla  of  a  female  winter  equipment  peculiar 
to  the  country,  were  brought  unceremoniously  in.  and  thrown  en  masse  upon 
the  deserted  benches  of  the  ball-room.  Then  was  there  a  -scramble  among  the 
fair  dancers,  who,  having  secured  their  respective  property,  quitted  the  house ; 
n't,  however,  without  a  secret  fear,  on  the  part  of  many,  that  the  first  object 
they  should  encounter,  on  .sallying  forth,  would  be  a  corps  of  American  sharp- 
Bhootera.  To  the  confu.-iion  within  was  added  the  clamor  without,  arising  from 
swearing  drivers,  neighing  horses,  jingling  bells,  and  jostling  sledges.  Fi- 
nally, tjie  only  remaining  ladies  of  the  party  were  tHb  D'Egvilles,  whose 
elcdge  had  not  yet  arrived :  with  these  lingered  Captain  Molineux.  Middle- 
more,  and  Henry  Grantham,  all  of  whom,  having  obtained  leave  of  absence 
for  tho  occasion,  had  accompanied  them  from  Detroit.  The  two  former,  who 
had  just  terminated  one  of  the  old  fashioned  cotillions,  then  peculiar  to  tlia 
Canadas,  stood  leaning  over  the  chairs  of  their  partners,  indulging  in  no  very 
chariiable  comments  on  the  unfortunate  Raymond,  to  whose  inopportune  pre- 
sence at  that  unseasonable  hour  they  ascribed  a  host  of  most  important  mo-, 
mentary  evils ;  as,  for  example,  the  early  breaking  up  of  the  pleasantest  bal! 
of  the  season,  the  loss  of  an  excellent  anticipated  supper  that  had  been  pre- 
pared for  a  later  hour,  and.  although  last  not  least,  the  necessity  it  iniposfid 
upon  them  of  an  immediate  return,  that  titter  cold  night,  to  Detroit.    Near 


US 


MATILDA     MONTOaM&RIIC;    OR, 


tlio  blazinj!;  wood  flrp,  nt  their  sido,  stood  Tlonry  Orfttitlinm,  and  Oajitnin  St. 
Cluir  of  the  Kii^^inccrs.  TI>o  former  with  )iis  tlioiichts  ondently  fur  away 
from  the  imssinp:  scene,  the  Latter  joiniu);  in  the  erilin'snis  on  Rayhiond. 

A  few  nioinents  nflvrwnrds  Colon*'!  D'H^rville  entered  .'le  room,  now  do 
ierted   save  hy  fhe  httU>  <"oterie  ne;ir  tlic  i]re-i)hir(>.     Liltr  Iiieulenant  Kay-    i 
nond's,  hi;'*  (h-ess  was  more  stiited  to  the  hivoiiac  than  tlie  ball-room,  and  his 
C«)nntenance  otherwise  bore  traces  of  fati<rne. 

His  date^hters  Hew  to  meet  him.  The  otheers  also  •xronpetl  aroond,  <lesiron8 
to  hear  what  tidiiiL^s  he  brou,2;ht  of  the  enemy,  to  corroborate  the  statement 
of  U:\yniond.  To  the  great  !iior(ifleation  of  the  latter,  it  was  now  fimnd  that 
lie  and  his  little  detachment  had  had  all  the  rimninij;  to  them.selves,  and  that,  . 
while  they  fnneie.i  the  whole  of  the  ,\tneriean  army  to  be  clo.se  at  their  he(>lH, 
the  latter  had  been  so  kept  in  check  bv  the  force  of  Indians,  under  Colonel  •  < 
D'Fipiville  in  person,  as  to  be  comj)elled  to  retire  njion  the  point  whence  tlio 
orifjinal  attack  had  been  made.  'J'hey  had  not  followed  the  broken  Knplish 
outpost  more  than  a  mile,  and  yd,  so  convinced  of  close  pursiiit  had  been  Iho 
latter,  that  for  the  space  of  six  hajjoes  they  had  .scarce  relaxed  in  their  retreat. 
The  information  now  brou;iht  by  Colonel  D'Egville  was,  that  the  AmericanH 
had  not  advanced  a  sinijjle  foot  beyond  the  outpost  in  question,  but,  on  tho 
contrar}',  had  commenced  constructin!?  a  stockade  and  throwinf»  up  entrench- 
ments. He  adiled,  moreover,  that  hehjid  just  dispatched  an  express  to  Sand- 
wich, to  Oeneral  I'roctor,  communicatinpj  the  intellipence.  an(l  su;.rp:estin;?  tho 
propriety  of  an  attack  before  tliey  could  advance  farther,  and  favor  any  move- 
ment on  the  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  Detroit.  As  this  comiter-movement  on  ^ 
our  part  would  require  every  man  that  couM  be  .spared  from  the  latter 
fortress.  Colonel  D'Ki::vil!e  seemed  to  think  that  before  the  officers  co»dd  reach 
it,  its  garrison  would  be  already  on  the  way  to  join  the  expedition,  which  would 
doubtless  be  ordered  to  move  from  .Amherstburg;  and  as  tho  same  impression  . 
appeared  to  exist  in  the  mimi   of  Colonel  St.  Julian,  whom  he  had  only  just 

{)arted  from  to  proceed  in  .search  of  his  diiughters,  the  latter  had  taken  it  upon 
limself  to  detern\ine  that  they  .should  r'en)ain  where  they  were  until  the  an- 
swer, comnumicatin;:!:  the  final  decision  of  Gen"ral  Troctor,  should  arrive. 

If  the  young  othcers  were  delighted  at  the  idea  of  e.scjiping  the  horror  of  an 
eighteen  miles  drive,  on  one  of  the  bitterest  nights  of  tlie  sen,son,  .suppcrlcss, 
and  at  the  moment  of  issuing  from  a  comfortable  ball-room,  their  annoyaneo 
at  (what  they  termed)  the  ])usillajnmity  of  Kaymond,  who  liad  come  thus 
mmccessarily  in,  to  the  utter  annihilation  of  their  evening'.s  amusement — was 
in  equal  proportion.  For  this,  on  their  way  home,  they  revenged  themselves 
by  every  sort  of  persiflage  their  humor  could  adapt  to  the  occasion,  until  in  tho 
end  the}'  completely  .•jucceeded  in  destroying  the  good  lumior  of  Ilaymond, 
who  eventually  quitted  them  under  feelings  of  mortified  pride,  wliich  excited  , 
all  the  generous  sympathy  of  the  younger  Grantham,  while  it  created  m  lus  . 
breast  a  .sentiment  of  almost  wrath  against  his  inconsiderate  ccmipanion.s, 
Kven  these  latter  were  at  length  sensible  that  they  had  sonc  too  far.  and,  as 
ttieir  better  feelings  returned,  they  sought  to  a.s.sure  the  offended  object  of  their 
plea^'iantry  that  what  they  had  uttered  was  merely  in  jest  ;  but  finding 
ne  received  these  (ysclaimers  in  moody  silence,  they  renewed  their  attack, 
iior  discontinued  it  until  they  separated  for  their  uuitual  quarter.s  for  tho 
night. 

The  following  dawn  broke  in,  decked  with  all  the  sad  and  sober  grey  pecu- 
liar to  an  American  sky  in  the  dej)th  of  winter,  and,  with  the  first  rising  of 
the  almost  raylcss  sun,  commenced  numerous  warlike  preparations,  that  giivc 
promi.se  to  the  inhabitants  of  some  approaching  crisis.  The  event  justified 
their  expectation  ;  the  suggi'stion  of  Colonel  D'Egville  bad  been  adopted,  and 
the  same  express  which  canied  to  General  Proctor  the  informati(m  of  the  ad- 
Tance  of  the  enemy,  and  the  expulsion  of  Li-  ntenant  Ilaymond  from  his  post, 
was  pushed  on  to  Detroit,  with  an  order  for  every  man  who  could  bo  spare*' 
fnmi  that  fortress,  to  be  marched  without  a  moment's  delay  to  M:dden.  At 
noon  the  detachment  had  arri'  fd.  and  the  G.'neral  making  his  appeal  anee  soou 


T  H  K     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


110 


fiftor,  Iho  fixpi'ilitinn.  cotnposcil  of  llic  sitrcn;:!!!  of  tlic  two  giirrison'?,  with  i» 
tow  lip;ht  f^uns,  iiiul  a  cousidcnil^k'  Itixly  uf  Inilians,  iiiiilor  the  Chief  Ilournl- 
liciuf,  wore  piislicil  rjipiilly  iKiross  tlic  liiki*.  iiml  tho  faino  night  occuj)ic(l  the 
only  roiid  by  which  the  eiu'iny  (!oiil(l  advance!. 

It  was  a  picturesque  sii^ht  to  thoHo  wlio  HH^rered  on  tho  hanks  6f  the  Detroit, 
to  wateh  tins  movement  of  tliat  ni!i-;s  of  puns,  niumiinition,  oars  and  sledf^cH, 
jtreceditiij  tho  rop;ular  niareh  of  the  troops,  us  the  whole  crossed  tho  firm  hnt 
riitnhhn;!;  i(;e,  at  the  heail  of  tho  now  desert(!d  Island  of  Uois  Blanc.  Nor  was* 
tiiis  at  all  lessened  in  etfect  hy  tho  wild  and  irrejrnlar  movements  of  tho 
Indians,  wlio,  advancing  hy  twos  and  tliroes,  hnt  more  often  singly,  and  hoimd- 
in;:^  ninihly  j-et  tortnonsl^'^,  alon};^  the  vast  wliito  field  witli  wliieh  the  ontlii.j 
of  tlieir  swarthy  forms  contrasted,  called  up,  at  the  outset,  the  idea  of  a  legion 
of  devils. 

It  was  during  one  of  tho  coldest  mornings  in  January,  that  this  littlo  army 
hivouaced  on  tlie  hanks  of  a  small  rivulet,  distant  littlo  more  than  a  lea;!;uo 
from  the  position  which  had  been  taken  up  by  tlie  Americans.  So  unexpected 
and  rapid  had  been  the  advance  of  the  expedition,  that  not  the  sliirhtest  sus- 
picion appeared  to  bo  entertained  by  the  Americans  even  of  its  dejiarture  ; 
and  from  information  bron;!;ht  at  a  late  hour  by  the  Indian  scouts,  who  had 
boon  dispatched  at  ni;^htfall  to  o})serve  their  motions,  it  was  feathered  that,  so 
far  from  ai>prehendinf^  or  being  prepared  for  an  attack,  all  was  qn'wt  in  their 
camp,  in  whicJi  the;  customary  night-fin^s  were  then  burniu!.'.  Thus  favored 
by  the  false  security  of  their  enemies,  tho  liritish  force,  after  jiartakin;;  of  their 
rude  but  substantial  meal,  and  preparing  their  arms,  laid  tljemselves  down  to 
rest  in  their  accoutrem'-nts  and  great  coats  ;  their  Jieads  reclining  on  whatever 
elevation,  however  small,  presented  itself,  and  their  feet  half  buried  in  the  em- 
bers of  the  (ires  they  had  with  difliculty  kindled  on  the  frozen  ground,  from 
which  tho  snow  hacl  beim  removed — all  .sanguine  of  .success,  and  all  more  or 
less  endeavoring  to  .snatcli.amid  tho  nipjjing  f  ost  to  which  their  upper  pi;r.sona 
were  exposed,  a  few  hours  of  .sleep  prior  to  tUe  final  advance,  which  was  io 
take  place  an  hour  before  dawn. 

In  tho  midst  of  the  general  desolatoness  of  aspect  which  encompassed  all, 
there  were  few  privations  endincd  by  tho  men  that  were  not  (;(pially  shared  liy 
their  oflicers.  A  .solitary  an<l  deserted  log  hut  was  the  only  thing  in  the  sli:ipo 
of  a  human  habitation  withm  the  bivouac,  and  this  had  been  secured  as  tho 
head(piarters  of  the  (leneral  and  his  staff — all  besides  had  no  other  canopy 
than  tlie  clear  starry  heavens,  or.  here  and  there,  the  leafless  and  nn--h'sierin;» 
branches  of  some  forest  tree — and  yet,  ju'ound  ono  large  and  Ijiazing  firo, 
which  continued  to  bo  fed  at  intervals  by  masses  of  half-decayed  wood,  that, 
divested  of  their  snow,  lay  simmering  and  drying  before  it.  was  frequently  to 
be  heard  the  joyous  yet  suppros.sed  laugh,  and  piquant  sally,  as  of  men  whoso 
spirits  no  temporary  hardship  or  concern  for  the  eventful  future  could  efl'ectu- 
ally  suppress. 

During  the  whole  of  tho  march,  Raymond  had  evinced  a  serion.sne.ss  of 
demeanor  by  no  means  common  to  him,  and  although  he  had  made  one  of  tho 
party  in  the  general  bivouac,  ho  had  scarcely  opened  his  lips,  except  to  reply 
to  the  most  direct  questions.  A  renewed  attack  at  first  drew  from  him  no 
comment,  although  it  was  evident  he  felt  greatl}-  pained  ;  but  when  ho  had 
linished  smoking  bis  cigar,  ho  raised  himself,  not  without  difliculty,  from  tho 
ground,  and  bcg.in  with  a  .seriousness  of  maimer  that,  being  unusual,  not  a 
littlo  t'urprised  them,  ''  Gentlemen,  you  have  long  been  pleased  to  select  me  m 
your  butt." 

'•  Of  cour.so,"  hastily  interrupted  Captain  Molineux,  hazarding  his  pun,  "  \r« 
naturally  select  you  for  what  j-ou  most  resemble." 

"  Captain  Alolineux — gentlomcn !"  r&sumed  Raymond,  with  greatei  cm* 
phasis. 

'•  He  is  getting  warm  on  the  subject,"  observed  Middlemore.  ■'  Have  h 
care,  Molineux,  thui  tho  ^"tt  docs  not  churn  until  in  tho  end  it  becomes  tht 


!20 


MATILDA     MO.VTOOMEKIE;     OR, 


"  Ha!  ha !  ha!"  vociferated  St.  Clair,  '-'good,  excellent,  the  best  you  ever 
made,  Middlcmore." 

"  Gentlemen  !"  persevered  Raymond,  in  a  tone,  and  with  a  gesture,  of  impa 
tience,  "this  trifling  will  bo  deeply  regretted  by  you  all  to-morrow;  "I  repeat," 
ho  pursued,  when  he  found  lie  had  at  length  succeeded  in  procuring  silence, 
"you  liave  long  been  pleased  to  select  mo  as  your  butt,  and  while  this  was 
confined  to  my  personal  appearance,  painful  as  I  have  sometimes  found  your 
hun»)r,  f  could  still  endure  it  ;  but  when  T  perceive  those  whom  I  have  looked 
upon  as  friends  and  bi-others,  casting  imputations  upon  my  courage,  I  may  bo 
excused  for  feeling  offended.  You  have  succeeded  in  wounding  mj'  heart,  and 
»H)me  of  you  will  regret  the  hour  when  you  did  so.  Another,  perhaps,  would 
adopt  a  different  course,  but  T  am  not  disposed  to  return  evil  for  evil.  I  wish 
to  believe,  that  in  all  your  taunts  upon  this  subject  you  have  merely  indulged 
your  bantering  humor — but  not  the  less  have  you  pained  an  honest  lieart. 
To-mori'ow  will  prove  that  you  have  grievously  wronged  me,  and  I  am  mista- 
ken if  you  will  not  deeply  regret  it." 

So  saying,  he  hurried  away  across  the  snow  towards  a  distant  fire,  which 
lighted  the  ruder  bivouac  of  the  adjutant  and  quartermaster,  and  was  there 
Keen  to  seat  himself  with  the  air  of  one  who  has  composed  himself  for  tho 
night. 

"  What  a  silly  fellow,  to  take  the  thing  so  .seriously  1"  .said  Molincux, 
half  vexed  at  himself,  half  moved  by  the  reproachful  tone  of  Raymond's 
address. 

"  For  God's  sake,  Grantham,  call  him  back.  Tell  him  we  are  ready  to  make 
any — evtr}-  atonement  for  our  offence,"  urged  St.  Clair. 

"  And  T  will  promise  ne^^!r  to  utter  another  pun  at  his  expense  as  long  as  I 
live,"  added  Middlemore. 

But  before  Henry  Grantham,  who  had  been  a  pained  and  silent  witness  of 
the  scene,  and  who  had  already  risen  with  a  view  to  follow  the  wounded  Ray- 
mond, could  take  a  single  step  on  his  mission  of  peace,  the  low  roll  of  the  drum, 
sumnionitig  to  fall  in,  warned  them  that  the  hour  of  action  had  already  ar- 
rived, and  each,  quitting  his  fire,  hastened  to  the  more  immediate  and  pressing 
duties  of  assembling  his  men,  and  carefully  examining  into  the  state  of  their 
appointments. 

In  ten  minutes  from  the  beating  of  the  reveille — considerably  shorn  of  its 
wonted  proportions,  as  tho  occasion  demanded — the  bivouac  had  been  aban- 
doned, and  tiie  little  army  again  upon  their  march.  What  remained  tc  bo 
traversed  of  the  space  that  separated  them  from  the  enemy,  was  an  alternation 
of  plain  and  open  forest,  but  so  completely  in  juxtaposition,  that  the  head  of 
the  column  had  time  to  clear  one  wood  and  enter  a  second  before  its  rear 
tould  disengage  itself  from  tho  first.  The  effect  of  this,  by  the  dim  and  pecu- 
liar light  reflected  from  the  snow  across  which  they  moved,  was  picturesque 
m  the  extreme,  nor  was  the  interest  diminished  by  the  utter  silence  that  had 
pervatled  every  part  of  the  little  army,  the  measured  tramp  of  whose  march, 
minglcfl  with  the  hollow  and  unavoidable  rumbhng  of  the  light  guns,  being 
the  only  .'^ounds  to  be  heard  amid  that  mass  of  living  matter.  The  Indians, 
with  the  exception  of  a  party  of  scouts,  had  been  th.;  last  to  quit  their  rudo 
encampment,  and  as  they  now,  in  their  eagerness  to  get  to  the  front,  glided 
utealthily  by  in  tho  deep  snows  on  either  side  of  the  more  beaten  track  by 
which  the  troops  advanced,  and  utterly  without  sound  in  their  foot-falJ 
they  might  rather  have  been  compared  to  spirits  of  the  wilds,  than  to 
human  beings. 

Tho  regiment  having  been  told  ofT  into  divisions,  it  so  happened  that  Ray- 
mond and  Henry  Grantham,  although  belonging  to  different  companies,  now 
found  themselves  near  eacli  other.     The  latter  had  been  most  anxious  to  ap- 

!)roach  his  loally  good-hearted  companion,  with  a  view  to  soothe  his  wounded 
ieclings.  and  to  convey,  in  the  fullest  and  most  convincing  terms,  the  utte? 
disclaimer  of  liis  inconsiderate  brother  officers,  to  reflect  seriously  on  his  con- 
duct in  the  recent  retreat— or.  indeed,  to  intend  their  observations  for  any  thing 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


121 


beyoivl  a  more  pleasantry.  As,  however,  the  strictest  order  had  been  com- 
manded to  he  o>)scrved  in  the  march,  and  Ilaymond  and  he  happened  to  be  at 
opposite  extremities  of  the  division,  this  had  l)ei'n  for  some  time  impracticable. 
A  temporary  lialt  ha  vim;  occurred,  just  as  the  head  of  the  column  canio 
within  sijrht  of  the  enemy's  fires.  Grantham  quitted  his  station  on  the  flank, 
and  hastened  to  the  head  of  his  division,  where  he  foinid  Ilaymond  with  his 
arms  folded  across  his  chest,  and  apparently  absorbed  in  deep  thought.  IIo 
tappe<l  him  lij^htly  on  the  shoulder,  and  inquired  in  a  tone  of  much  kindness 
the  subject  of  his  musinjj:. 

Touched  by  the  manner  in  which  he  was  addressed,  Raymond  dropped  his 
arms  and  jjrasping  the  hand  of  the  youth,  observed  in  his  usual  voice;  "  Ah, 
is  it  you  Henry — Egafl,  my  dear  boy,  I  was  just  thinlcinj^  of  yen — and  how 
very  kind  you  have  always  been  ;  never  qui/zinj;  me  as  those  thoughtless  fel- 
lows have  done — and  certainly  never  insinuating  anything  against  my 
couratre — that  was  too  bad,  Henrj,  too  bad,  I  could  have  forgiven  anything 
but  that." 

''  Nay.  nay,  Raymond."  answered  his  companion,  soothingly  ;  "  believe  me, 
neither  Molineux,  nor  Middlemore.  nor  St.  Clair  meant  anything  beyond  a 
jest.  I  can  assure  you  Uiey  did  not.  for  when  you  quitted  us  they  asked  mo 
to  go  in  search  of  you,  but  the  assembly  then  commencing  to  beat.  I  was 
compelled  to  hasten  to  my  company,  nor  have  I  had  an  opportunity  of  seeing 
you  untd  now." 

'■  Very  well,  Henry.  I  forgive  them,  for  it  is  not  in  my  nature  to  keep  anger 
long ;  but  toll  them  that  they  should  not  wantonly  wound  the  feelings  of  an 
unoffending  comrade.  As  I  told  them,  they  may  regret  their  unkindness 
to  me  before  another  sun  has  set.     If  so.  1  wish  them  no  other  punishment." 

''  What  mean  you,  my  dear  Raymond  ?" 

"  Egad  !  I  scarcely  know  myself,  but  something  tells  me  very  forcibly  my 
hour  is  come." 

•'  Nonsense,  this  is  but  the  effect  of  the  depres.sion,  produced  by  fatigue  and 
over  excitement,  added  to  the  recent  annoyance  of  your  feelings." 

'•  Whatever  it  proceed  from,  I  had  ma^'e  up  my  mind  to  it  before  we  set  out. 
Henry,  my  kind  good  Henry,  I  have  neither  friend  nor  relative  on  earth — no 
one  to  inherit  the  little  property  I  poscss.  In  the  event  of  my  falhng,  you 
will  find  the  key  of  my  desk  in  the  breast  pocket  of  my  coat.  A  paper  in  that 
desk  appoints  yon  my  executor.     Will  you  accept  the  trust?" 

'"Most  sacredly,  Raymond,  will  I  fulfil  every  instruction  it  contains, 
should  I  myself  survive ;  but  I  cannot,  will  not,  bring  myself  to  anticipate 
your  fall." 

'•  Move  on,  move  on,"  passed  quickly  in  a  whi.spcr  from  front  to  rear  of  tho 
column. 

'•  God  bless  you,  Henry"  exclaimed  Raymond,  again  pressing  the  hand  of 
the  youth — •'  remember  the  key." 

'■  We  shall  tsilk  of  that  to-night."  was  the  light  reply.  "  Meanwhile,  dear 
Raymond.  God  })less  you,"  and  again  Grantham  fell  back  to  his  place  in  the 
rear  of  the  division. 

Five  minutes  later,  and  the  troops  were  finally  brought  up  in  front  of  tho 
enomy.  A  long  line  of  fires  marked  the  extent  of  the  encampment,  from 
which,  even  then,  the  "  all's  well"  of  the  sentinels  cotdd  be  occasionally  heard. 
Except  these,  all  profoundly  slept,  nor  was  there  anything  to  indicate  they  had 
the  .slightest  suspicion  of  an  enemy  V)eina:  within  twenty  miles  ofthom. 

"  What  glorious  cannon  work  we  shall  have  presenti}-,"  whimpered  Villiers 
to  Molineux,  as  they  were  brought  together  by  their  stations  at  the  adjacent 
extremities  of  their  respective  division.     "  Only  mark  how  the  fellows  sleep." 

"  The  devil  take  the  cannon,"  mnttored  VillicM-.s,  the  bayonet  for  me,  "  but 
you  are  right,  for  see.  there  go  the  guns  to  the  front — hark  there  is  a  shot; 
the  sentinels  have  discovered  us  at  las; ;  and  now  they  arc  starting  frombeforfl 
their  fires,  and  hastening  to  snatch  their  arnis. 


122 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;     OR. 


. 


AVhist,  cellist,  whist,  fleu'  throe  balls  successively  between  their  hcal3a 
'   Ila,  here  they  bcgiti  to  talk  to  us  in  earnest,  and  now  to  our  duty." 

The  next  moment  all  was  roar,  and  bustle,  and  confusion,  and  death. 

Tlie  sun  was  in  the  meridian ;  .all  sounds  of  combat  had  ceased.  From  the 
field,  in  which  the  troops  had  commenced  the  action,  numerous  slcdpes  were 
seen  departing,  laden  with  the  dead — the  wounded  havmg  previously  been 
sent  off.  One  of  these  sledges  remained  stationary  at  some  distance  within 
the  line,  wlun-e  liie  ravages  of  death  were  marked  by  pools  of  blood  upon  the 
snow,  anil  at  this  point  were  grouped  several  individuals,  assembled  round  a 
body  which  was  about  to  be  conveyed  away. 

"  By  Heavens,  I  would  give  the  world  never  to  have  said  an  unkind  word 
to  him,"  observed  one,  whose  arm  suspended  from  a  sling,  attested  he  had  not 
come  scatheless  out  of  the  action.  It  was  St.  Clair,  whose  great  ambition  it 
liad  always  been  to  have  his  name  borne  among  the  list  of  wounded — provided 
there  were  no  broken  bones  in  the  question. 

"  As  l)rave  as  he  was  honest-hearted,"  added  a  second,  "  you  .say,  Grantham, 
that  he  forgave  us  all  our  nonsense." 

"  He  did,  Molineux.  Ho  declared  he  could  not  bear  resentment  against  you 
long.  Bnt  still,  I  fear,  he  could  not  so  easily  forget.  He  observed  to  me, 
jestingly,  just  before  deploying  into  line,  that  he  felt  his  time  was  come,  but 
there  can  be  no  doubt,  from  what  wo  all  witnessed,  that  he  was  determined 
from  the  outset  to  court  his  death." 

Captain  IMolincux  turned  away,  apparently  much  affected — Middlemoro 
spoke  not,  but  it  was  evident  he  also  was  deeply  pained.  Each  seemed  to  feel 
that  he  had  been  in  some  degree  ascessory  to  the  catastrophe,  but  the  past 
could  not  be  recalled.  The  body,  covered  with  blood,  exuding  from  several 
wounds,  was  now  placed  on  the  sledge  which  was  drawn  off  to  join  several 
others  just  departed,  and  the  lingering  oIHcers  hastened  to  overtake  their  se- 
ver.al  companies. 

When  the  action  was  at  the  hottest,  one  of  the  small  guns  in  front  (all  of 
which  had  been  fearfully  exposed),  was  left  without  a  single  artilleryman. 
Availing  themselves  of  this  circumstance,  the  cnom}',  who  were  unprovided 
with  artillery  of  any  description,  made  a  movement  as  if  to  possess  themselves 
of.  and  turn  it  against  the  attacking  force,  then  closing  rapidly  to  dispute  tho 
possession  of  the  breast  work  which  covered  then*  riflemen.  Colonel  St.  Julian, 
seeing  this  movement,  called  out  for  volunteers  to  rescue  the  gun  from  it3 
perilous  situation.  Scarcely  had  the  words  passed  his  lips  when  an  individual 
moved  forward  from  the  line,  in  the  direction  indicated.  It  was  Lieutenant 
Raymond — Exposed  to  the  fire,  both  of  friends  and  foes,  the  unfortunate 
officer  advanced  calmly  and  unconcernedly,  in  the  presence  of  the  whole  line, 
and  before  the  Americans  could  succeed  in  even  crossing  their  defences, 
had  seized  the  gun  by  the  drag  rope,  and  withdrawn  it  under  cover  of  tho 
English  fire.  But  this  gallant  act  of  self-dcvotedness,  was  not  without  its 
terrible  price.  Pierced  by  many  balls,  which  the  American  riflemen  had  im- 
mediately directed  at  him,  he  fell  dying  within  ten  feet  of  the  British  line, 
brandishing  his  sword  and  faintly  shouting  a  "  huzza,"  that  was  answered  by 
his  companions  with  the  fierce  spirit  of  men  stung  to  new  exertion,  and  deter- 
mined to  avenge  his  foil. 

Thus  perished  the  fat,  the  plain,  the  carbuncled,  but  re.ally  gallant-hearted 
Raymond — whose  intrinsic  worth  was  never  estimated  imtil  he  had  ceased  to 
e;cist.  His  fall,  and  all  connected  therewith,  fofms  a  .sort  of  episode  in  our 
story,  yet  is  it  one  not  altogether  without  its  moral.  A  private  monument, 
on  which  was  inscribed  all  that  may  soothe  and  flatter  after  death,  was  erected 
to  his  memor}'^  by  those  very  officers  whose  persiflage,  attacking  in  this  in- 
Btance  even  his  honor  as  a  .soldier,  had  driven  him  to  seek  the  fate  he  found. 
Of  this  there  could  be  no  question  ;  for,  brave  as  he  unquestionably  was,  llay- 
mond  would  not  have  acted  as  if  courting  death  throughout,  had  he  not  fully 
made  up  his  mind  cither  to  gain  g'  tat  disfnc  tion  or  to  die  under  the  eyes  of 


THE     PROPHECY     FUI.  FILI-F.  D, 


123 


those  wlfo  hf\(l.  he  conccivcii,  so  frroatly  injure*!  l.im.  It  is  Init  justice  to  add 
that,  for  three  days  from  his  death.  Middlciiioii-  did  not  niter  a  sinyle  pun, 
ueither  did  St.  Clair  or  Mohueux  indulge  in  a  satirical  observation 


,      CHAPTER  XX. 

The  spring  of  1813  had  passed  nearly  away,  yet  withont  producing;  any 
renewed  etl'ort  on  the  part  of  the  Americans.  From  information  obtained 
from  the  Indian  scouts,  it  however  appearinl  that,  far  from  bein,!;;  discouraged 
by  their  recent  disaster,  they  had  moved  forward  a  third  army  to  the  Miami, 
where  they  had  stronj^ly  entrenched  themselves,  until  fitting  opportimity 
should  be  found  to  renew  their  attempt  to  recover  the  lost  district.  It  was 
also  ascertained  that,  with  a  perseverance  and  industry  peculiar  to  themselves, 
they  had  been  occupied  throughout  the  rigorous  winter  in  preparing  a  fleet  of 
suflicicnt  force  to  compete  with  that  of  the  British  ;  and  that,  abandoning  the 
plan  hitherto  pursued  by  his  predecessors,  the  American  leader  of  this  third 
army  of  invasion  purposed  transporting  his  troops  across  the  lake,  instead  of 
running  the  risk  of  being  harassed  and  cut  up  in  an  advance  by  l.-md.  To 
efl'ect  this,  it  was  of  course  necessary  to  have  the  command  of  the  lake,  and 
there  were  all  the  sinews  of  exertion  called  into  full  exercise,  to  obtain  tho 
desired  ascendancy. 

To  defeat  this  intention  became  now  the  chief  object  of  the  British  General. 
With  the  close  of  winter  had  ceased  tho  hunting  pursuits  of  the  warriors,  so 
that  each  day  brought  with  it  a  considerable  accession  to  the  strength  of  this 
wild  people,  vast  numbers  of  whom  ha<l  betaken  themselves  to  their  hunting 
groands,  shortly  after  the  capture  of  Detroit,  The  chiefs  of  these  several  na- 
tions were  now  summoned  to  a  Conned,  in  the  course  of  which  it  was  decided 
that  a  formidable  expedition,  accompanied  by  a  heavy  train  of  battering  artil- 
lery, should  embark  in  Vialteaux,  with  a  view  to  the  reduction  of  tho  Ameri- 
can post  established  on  the  Miami — a  nucleus  around  which  was  fast  gr^ier- 
ing  a  spirit  of  activity  that  threatened  danger,  if  not  annihilation,  to  the  Eng- 
lish influence  in  tho  North  Western  districts.  In  tho  event  of  the  accomplish- 
ment of  this  design.  Detroit  and  Amherstburg  would  necessarih^  be  released 
from  all  apprehension,  since,  even  admitting  the  Americans  could  acquire  a 
superiority  of  naval  force  on  the  lako.  such  superiority  could  only  be  essen- 
tially injurious  to  us,  as  aineans  of  affording  transport  to,  and  covering  tho 
operations  of  an  invading  army.  If,  however,  thiit  already  on  the  Miami  could 
be  defeated,  and  their  fortress  razed,  it  was  not  probable  that  a  fourth  could 
be  equipped  and  pushed  forward,  with  a  view  to  offensive  operations,  in  suffi- 
cient time  to  accomplish  anything  decisive  before  the  winter  should  set  in. 
Tecumseh,  who  had  just  returned  from  collecting  new  boilies  of  warriors, 
•warmly  approved  the  project,  and  undertook  to  bring  two  thousand  men  into 
tho  field,  as  his  quota  of  the  expedition,  the  departure  of  wliich  was  decided 
for  the  seventh  day  from  the  Council. 

The  day  on  which  that  Council  was  held,  was  characterized  by  one  of  thoso 
sudden  outbursts  of  elemental  war,  so  common  to  the  Canadas  in  early  sum- 
mer, and  which,  in  awful  grandeur  of  desolation,  are  frequently  scarcely  infe- 
rior to  the  hurricanes  of  the  tropics.  The  morning  had  been  oppressively 
sultry,  and  there  was  that  general  anil  heavy  lethargy  of  nature  that  usually 
precedes  a  violent  reaction.  About  noon  a  small,  dark  speck  was  visible  in 
the  hitherto  cloudless  horizon,  and  this  presently  grew  in  size  until  the  whole 
western  sky  was  one  dense  mass  of  threatening  black,  which  eventually  spread 
itself  over  the  entire  surface  of  the  heavens,  leaving  not  a  hand's  breadth  any- 
where visible.  Presently,  amid  tho  sultry  stillness  that  prevailed,  there  camo 
a  slight  breeze  over  the  face  of  the  waters,  and  then,  as  if  some  vast  battorin:* 
train  had  suddenly  opened  it;>  hundred  mouths  of  terror,  vomiting  forth  show- 


121 


MATILDA.     MONTOOMCRIE;    OR, 


ers  of  grape  And  other  missiles,  come  astounflins;  thundcr-cliips,  anrl  forkefl 
lightnings,  and  rain,  and  hail,  and  whistling  wind — all  in  such  terrible  union, 
yet  such  fearful  disorder,  that  man.  the  last  to  lake  warning,  or  feci  awed  hy 
the  anger  of  the  common  parent.  Nature,  bent  his  head  in  lowliness  and 
silence  to  her  voice,  and  awaited  trembling!}'  the  passing  away  of  her  wrath. 

Henry  Grantham,  whose  turn  of  duty  had  again  brought  him  to  Amherst- 
burg,  was  in  the  mess-room  of  the  garrison  when  the  storm  was  at  the  fiercest. 
Notwithstanding  the  excitement  of  the  council-scene,  a^  which  he  had  been 
present,  he  had  experienced  an  unusual  depression  throughout  the  day,  origi- 
nating partly  in  the  languid  state  of  the  atuiospherc,  but  infinitely  more  in  the 
anxiety  under  which  he  labored  in  regard  to  liis  brother,  of  whom  no  other 
intelligence  had  been  received,  since  his  departure  with  his  prisoners  for  Buf- 
falo, than  what  vague  rumor,  coupled  with  the  fact  of  the  continued'  absence 
of  the  schooner,  aiforded.  That  the  vessel  had  been  captui-ed  by  the  enemy 
there  could  be  no  doubt ;  but,  knowing  as  he  did,  the  gallant  spirit  of  Gerald, 
there  was  reason  to  imagine  that  he  had  not  yielded  to  his  enemies,  before 
every  means  of  resistance  had  been  exhausted  :  and  if  so,  what  might  not 
have  been  the  effect  of  his  obstinacy,  if  such  a  term  could  be  applied  to  un- 
shaken intrepidity,  on  men  exasperated  by  opposition  and  eager  for  revenge. 
In  the  outset  he  had  admitted  his  gentle  cousin  Gertrude  to  his  confidence,  as 
one  most  suited,  by  her  docility,  to  soothe  without  appearing  to  remark  on  his 
alarm,  but  when,  little  suspecting  the  true  motive  of  her  agitation,  he  saw  her 
evince  an  emotion  surpassing  diis  own,  and  admitting  and  giving  way  to  fears 
beyond  any  he  would  openly  avow,  he  grew  impatient  and  disappointed,  and 
preferring  rather  to  hear  the  tocsin  of  alarm  sounded  from  his  own  heart  than 
from  the  lips  of  another,  he  suddenly,  and  much  to  the  surprise  of  the  afTec- 
tionate  girl,  discontinued  all  allusion  to  the  subject.  But  Henry's  anxiety 
was  not  the  less  poignant  from  being  confined  within  his  own  breast,  and  al- 
though it  gratified  him  to  find  that  flattering  mention  was  frequently  made  of 
his  brother  at  the  mess-table,  coupled  with  regret  for  his  absence,  it  wa.'J 
reserved  for  his  hours  of  privacy  and  abstraction  to  dwell  upon  the  fears 
which  daily  became  more  harassing  and  pcrplexmg. 

On  the  present  occasion,  even  wliile  his  brother  ofHcers  had  thought  nor  car 
but  Tor  the  terrible  tempest  that  raged  without,  and  at  one  moment  threatened 
to  bury  them  beneath  its  trcTnbling  roof,  the  mind  of  Henry  w^as  full  of  his 
absent  brother,  whom,  more  than  ever,  he  now  seemed  to  regret,  from  the 
association  of  the  howling  tempest  with  the  wild  element  on  which  he  had  last 
beheld  him  ;  and  so  complete  at  last  had  become  the  ascendancy  of  his  melan- 
choly, that  when  the  storm  had  be^n  in  some  degree  stilled,  and  the  rain  aba- 
ted, he  took  an  early  leave  of  his  companions,  with  a  view  to  indulge  in  privacy 
the  gloou) 3' feelings  by  which  he  felt  himself  oppressed. 

Tn  passing  through  the  gate  of  the  fort,  on  his  way  into  the  town,  his 
attention  was  arrested  hy  several  groups  of 'person.s,  consisting  of  soldiery 
Indians,  and  inhabitants,  who,  notwithstanding  the  inclemency  of  the  hour, 
were  gathered  on  the  high  bank  in  front  of  the  demi-lune  battery,  eagerly 
bending  their  gaze  upon  the  river.  Half  curious  to  know  what  could  havo 
attracted  them  in  such  weather  from  shelter,  Henry  advanced  and  mingled  in 
the  crowd,  which  gave  way  at  his  approach.  Although  the  fur}'  of  the  tem- 
pest had  spent  itself,  there  was  still  wind  enough  to  render  it  a  matter  of 
neces.sary  precaution  that  the  bystander  should  secure  a  firm  footing  on  tho 
bank,  while  the  wiiter,  violently  agitated  and  covered  with  foam,  resembled 
rather  a  pigmy  sea  than  an  inland  river — so  unu.;ual  and  so  vast  were  it3 
w»,  es.  The  current,  moreover,  increased  in  strength  by  the  sudden  swelling 
of  the  waters,  dashed  furiously  down,  giving  its  directiDn  to  the  leaping  billo  wa 
that  rode  impatiently  upon  its  surface  ;  and  at  the  pomt  of  fntersectionby  tho 
islandof  Bois  Blanc,  formed  so  violent  an  eddy  within  twenty  feet  of  the  laud, 
»,s  to  produce  the  effect  of  a  ivhirlpool.  while  again,  between  the  island  anr^  tho 
OAnadian  shore,  the  current,  always  rapid  and  of  great  force,  flew  boiling  dowQ 
its  channel,  and  with  a  violence  almost  quadrupled. 


THE     PROP H EC  V     FULFILLED. 


m 


anrl  forked 

nhle  union. 
,'el  awed  by 
ivliness  and 
'  her  wrath. 
o  Amhiirst- 

the  fiercest, 
e  liad  been 
.'  day,  onVi- 
nioru  in  the 
11  no  other 

rs  for  Buf- 
led"  absence 

the  enemy 
t  of  Gerald, 
mies.  before 

might  not 
lied  to  un- 
•  revenge, 
nfidence,  as 
nark  on  liis 

he  saw  her 
,'ay  to  fears 
ointed,  and 

heart  than 
)f  the  aflec- 
y's  anxiety 
ast,  and  al- 
ly made  of 
mco.  it  wa;j 
a  the  fears 

ght  nor  car 
threatened 
full  of  his 
;,  from  the 
he  had  last 
*  his  melan- 
ic  rain  aba- 
)  in  privacy 

town,  his 
of  soldiery 
'  the  hour, 
ry,  eagerly 
could  havo 
mingled  in 
)f  the  tem- 

matter  of 
ting  on  tho 

resembled 
st  were  ita 
'n  swelling 
ing  billows 
tionby  tho 
)f  the  land, 
nd  anr^  tho 
iling  down 


Amid  this  uproar  of  the  usually  placid  river,  there  was  but  one  bark  roun\ 
bold  cnougk  to  venture  tipon  her  angered  bosom,  and  this,  although  bat  an 
epitome  of  those  that  have  subdued  the  world  of  waters,  and  chained  them  in 
subservience  to  the  will  of  man,  now  danced  gallantly,  almost  terriiicully,  fiom 
billow  to  billow,  and,  with  the  feathery  lightncssof  her  peculiar  class,  ^'emed 
borne  onward,  less  by  the  leaping  waves  themselves  than  by  the  white  and 
drivi.ngspra}''  that  fringed  their  summits.  This  bark — a  canoe  evidently  of  tho 
smallest  descrij,tion— h<id  been  watched  in  its  progress,  from  afar,  by  the  groups 
assembled  ou  the  bank,  who  hail  gathered  at  each  other's  call,  to  witness  and 
marvel  at  the  gallant  daring  of  those  who  had  committed  it  to  the  boiling  ele- 
ment. Two  persons  composed  her  crew — the  one  seated  in  the  stern,  and 
carefully  guiding  the  bark  so  as  to  enable  her  to  breast  the  threatening  waves, 
which,  in  quick  succession,  rose  as  if  to  accomplish  her  overthrow — th6  other 
standing  at  her  bows,  the  outline  of  his  upper  figure  designed  against  the  snow- 
white  sail,  and,  with  his  arms  folded  across  his  chest,  apparent'}'  gazing  with- 
out fear  on  the  danger  which  surrounded  him.  It  was  evident,  from  their 
manner  of  conducting  the  bark,  that  the  adventurers  were  not  Indians,  and 
yet  there  was  nothing  to  indicate  to  what  class  of  the  white  family  they  be- 
longed. Both  were  closely  wrapped  in  short,  dark-colored  pea  coats,  and  their 
heads  were  surmounted  with  glazed  hats — a  species  of  costume  that  more  than 
anything  else  proved  their  familiarity  with  the  element  whose  brawling  they 
appeared  to  brave  with  an  indifference  bordering  on  madness. 

Such  was  the  position  of  the  parties  at  the  moment  when  Ilenrj'  Grantham 
gained  the  bank.  Hitherto  the  canoe,  in  the  broad  reach  that  divided  the  island 
from  tho  American  mainland,  had  had  merely  the  turbulence  of  the  short 
heavy  waves,  and  a  comparatively  modified  current,  to  contend  against. 
Overwhelming  even  as  these  difficulties  would  have  proved  to  men  less  gifted 
with  the  power  of  opposing  and  vanquishing  them,  they  were  but  light  in 
comparison  with  what  was  to  be  overcome.  The  canoe  was  now  fast  gaining 
the  head  of  the  island,  and  pursuing  a  direct  course  for  the  whirlpool  already 
described.  The  only  means  of  avoiding  this  was  by  closely  hugging  the  shore, 
between  which  and  the  violent  eddy  without,  the  water,  broken  in  its  impe- 
tuosity by  the  covering  headland,  presented  a  more  even  and  less  agitated 
surface.  This  headland  once  doubled,  the  safety  of  the  adventurers  was  en- 
sured, since,  although  the  tremendous  current  which  swept  through  the  inner 
channel  must  havo  borne  them  considerably  downwards,  still  the  canoe  would 
have  accomplished  the  transit  below  the  town  in  perfect  safety.  The  fact  of 
this  opportunity  being  neglected,  led  at  once  to  the  inference  that  tho  adven- 
t  arers  were  total  strangers,  and  distinct  voices  were  now  raised  by  those  on 
the  bank,  to  warn  them  of  their  danger — but  whether  it  was  that  they  heard 
not,  or  understood  not,  the  warning  was*  unnoticed.  Once  indeed  it  seemed 
as  if  ho  who  so  ably  conducted  the  course  of  the  bark,  had  comprehended  aad 
would  have  followed,  the  suggestion  so  earnestly  given,  for  his  tiny  sail  was 
.seen  to  flutter  for  the  first  time  in  the  wind,  as  with  the  intention  to  alter  his 
course.  But  an  impatient  gesture  from  his  companion  in  the  bow,  who  was 
seen  to  turn  suddenly  round  and  utter  something,  (which  was  however  inau- 
dible to  those  on  shore,)  again  brought  the  head  of  the  fragile  vessel  to  her 
original  course,  and  onward  she  went,  leaping  and  bounding,  apparently  with 
the  design  to  clear  the  whirlpool  at  a  higher  point  of  the  river. 

Nothing  short  of  a  miracle  could  now  possibh'  enable  tho  adventurers  to 
escape  being  drawn  into  the  boiling  vortex ;  and,  during  the  moments  that 
succeeded,  every  heart  beat  high  with  fearful  expectation  as  to  the  result.  At 
length  the  canoe  came  with  a  sudden  plunge  into  the  very  centre  of  the  cur- 
rent, which  all  the  skill  of  the  steersman  was  insufTicient  to  enable  him  to» 
clear.  Her  bow  yawed,  her  little  sail  fluttered — nnd  away  she  flew,  broadside 
foremost,  down  the  stream,  with  as  little  power  of  resistance  as  a  feather  or  a 
straw.  Scarcely  had  tho  eye  time  to  follow  her  in  this  peculiar  descent,  when 
•he  was  in  the  xery  heart  of  tho  raging  eddy.     For  a  moment  she  reeled  lik< 


1% 


Matilda   montoomerie;   qa. 


A  top,  then  rolled  two  or  three  times  over,  anfl  finally  disappeared  all  ogcther. 
Various  expressions  of  horror  hrokc  from  tho  several  groups  of  whites  and 
luditms,  all  of  whom  had  anticipated  tho  catastrophe  without  the  power  of 
actively  interposing.  Beyond  the  advice  that  was  given,  not  a  word  was 
uttered,  but  every  eye  contmuc  i  fixed  on  the  wIiirli)ooI,  as  though  momenta- 
rily ('xpecting  to  see  something  issue  from  its  bosom.  After  the  hipse  of  a 
Juirmto,  a  dark  object  suddenly  .prcM-nted  its'^If  some  twenty  yards  below,  be- 
tween tho  island  and  town.  It  was  the  canoe  which,  bottom  upwards  and 
dcfuived  of  its  little  mast  and  sail,  had  again  risen  to  the  surface,  and  was 
floating  rapidly  down  with  the  current.  Presently  afterwards  two  hea<ls 
were  seen  nearly  at  the  point  where  the  canoe  had  again  emerged.  They  were 
the  unfortunate  adventurers,  one  of  whom  appeared  to  be  supporting  his  com- 
panion with  one  arm,  whilst  with  the  other  be  dashed  away  the  waters  that 
bore  them  impetuously  along.  The  hats  of  both  had  fallen  off,  and  as  he  who 
exerted  himself  so  strenuously,  rose  once  or  twice  in  the  vigor  of  his  eflbrts 
above  tlie  element  with  which  he  contended,  he  seemed  to  present  the  grisly, 
wooll}'  hair,  and  the  sal)le  countenance  of  an  aged  negro.  A  vague  surmise 
of  the  truth  now  flashed  upon  the  mind  of  the  excited  officer  ;  but  when, 
jiresently  afterwards,  he  saw  the  jiowerfiil  form  once  more  raised,  and  in  a 
voice  that  made  itself  distinctl}'  b(.'ard  above  the  howling  of  the  wind,  exclaim, 
"  Help  a  dare  !"  there  was  no  longer  a  doubt,  and  he  rushed  towards  the 
dock-yard,  to  gain  which  the  exertions  of  tho  negro  were  now  directed. 

On  reaching  it  he  found  both  Gerald  and  his  faithful  attendant  just  touch- 
ing the  shore.  Aroused  by  the  cry  for  help  which  Sambo  had  pealed  forth, 
neveral  of  the  workmen  had  quitted  the  shelter  of  the  block-houses  in  which 
the}'  were  lodged,  and  hastened  to  the  rescue  of  him  whom  they  itnmediptely 
afterwards  saw  struggling  furiously  to  free  himself  and  companion  from  tho 
\ioIent  current.  Stepping  to  the  extremity  on  some  loose  timber  which  lay 
secured  to  the  shore,  yet  floating  in  the  river — tlie}'  threw  out  poles,  one  of 
which  Sambo  seized  like  an  enraged  mastilF  in  his  teeth,  and  still  supporting 
the  body,  and  repelling  the  water  with  his  disengaged  arm,  in  this  manner 
su'-cecfled  in  gaining  the  land.  Tho  crews  of  the  little  fleet,  vvhich  lay  armed 
n  hundred  yards  lower  down,  had  also  witnessed  the  rapid  descent  of  two  ap- 
parently drowning  men,  and  ropes  had  everywhere  been  thrown  out  from  the 
vessels.  As  for  lowering  a  boat,  it  was  out  of  the  question ;  for  no  boat  could 
have  resisted  the  violence  of  tho  current,  even  for  some  hours  after  the  storm 
had  wholly  ceased. 

It  ma}'  be  easily  conceived  with  what  mingled  emotions  the  generous  Henry, 
whose  anxiety  had  been  so  long  excited  in  regard  to  his  Ijrother's  fate,  now 
beheld  that  brother  suddenly  restored  to  him.  Filled  with  an  all'ection  that 
was  rendered  the  more  intense  by  the  very  fact  of  the  danger  from  which  he 
had  just  .seen  him  rescued,  ho,  regardless  of  those  around  and  in  defiance  of 
his  wet  and  dripi)ing  clothes,  sprang  eagerly  to  his  embrace,  but  Gerald  re- 
ceived him  with  a  cold — almost  averted  air.  Sufl'ering.  rather  than  sharing, 
this  mark  of  fraternal  love,  he  turned  the  instant  afterward  to  his  servant, 
and.  in  a  tone  (if  querulousncss,  said.  •'Sambo,  give  me  wine." 

Inexpressibly  shocked,  and  not  knowing  what  to  think  of  this  conduct, 
Henry  bent  his  glance  upon  the  negro.  The  old  man  shook  his  head  mourn- 
fully, and  even  with  the  dripping  spray  that  continued  to  full  from  his  woolly 
locks  upon  his  cheeks,  tears  might  be  seen  to  mingle.  A  dreadful  misgiving 
came  over  the  mind  of  the  youth,  and  he  felt  his  very  hair  rise  thrillingly,  as 
he  for  a  moment  admitted  the  horrible  possibili-ty,  that  the  sliock  produced  by 
his  recent  siccident  had  affected  his  brother's  intellect.  Sambo  replied  to  his 
master's  demand,  by  saying  ''  there  was  no  wine — the  canoe  and  its  contents 
had  been  utterly  lost." 

All  this  passed  during  the  first  few  moments  of  their  landing.  The  necessity 
for  an  immediate  ch.ange  of  apparel  was  obvious,  and  Gerald  and  his  servant 
were  led  into  the  nearest  block-house,  where  each  of  the  honest  fellowr  occu- 


\\i  ogcther. 
-hites  and 
power  of 
word  was 
inomcntn- 
lapse  of  a 
V)t'lo\v,  bc- 
vurds  and 
?,  and  was 
two  heads 
They  were 
g  his  corn- 
aters  that 
as  ho  who 
his  cllbrts 
the  grisly, 
lie  siirniise 
but  when, 
1,  and  in  a 
\,  exclaim, 
wards  the 
ted. 

ust  touch- 
aled  forth, 
s  in  which 
micdiptely 
I  from  tho 
which  lay 
OS,  one  of 
supporting 
IS  manner 
lay  armed 
of  two  ap- 
t  from  the 
boat  could 
the  storm 

)ns  Henry, 
\  fate,  now 
action  that 
1  which  he 
lofiance  of 
Gerahl  re- 
n  sharing, 
is  servant, 

g  conduct, 
Eld  mourn- 
his  woolly 
misgiving 
illingly,  as 
oduced  by 
ilicd  to  his 
:,s  contents 

e  necessity 
lis  servant 

lowf  OCCU' 


THE     rUOPHECY     FULFILLED. 


137 


pyir.g  it  was  eager  in  producing  whatever  his  rude  wardrobe  afforded.  The 
itrothers  then  m;ulo  the  bcit  of  their  way,  followed  by  the  negio,  to  thtir  own 
abode  in  the  town. 

The  evening  being  damp  and  chilly,  a  fire  was  kindled  in  the  apartment  in 
which  Gerald  dined — tiie  same  in  which  botli  liad  witnessed  the  dying  mo- 
ments of  their  mother,  and  Henry  those  of  their  fatlier.  It  had  been  chosen 
by  the  former,  in  the  he)<;ht  ol  her  malady,  for  its  cheerfulness,  and  she  had 
continued  in  it  until  the  hour  of  her  decease  ;  while  Mujor  (Irantliam  hail  se- 
lected it  for  his  chamber  of  death  for  the  veiy  reason  that  it  had  been  that  of 
liis  regretted  wife.  Henry,  having  already  rlined,  .sat  at  the  opposite  cxtre- 
rait}'  of  the  table  watching  his  brother,  whose  features  lie  had  so  longed  to 
beliold  once  more  ;  3'et  not  without  a  deep  and  bitter  feeling  of  grief,  that 
those  R'atures  sliould  have  undergone  so  complete  a  change  in  their  expression 
towards  himself.  Gerald  had  thrown  off  the  temporary  and  ill-fitting  vest- 
ments exchanged  for  his  own  wet  clothing,  and  now  that  he  jippeared  once  moro 
in  his  customary  garb,  an  extraordinary  alteration  was  percei)til)le  in  his  whole 
jippearan.re.  Fustcad  of  the  blooming  check,  and  rounded  ami  elegant  form, 
for  which  he  hud  alwa3's  been  remarkable,  he  now  olfered  to  the  eye  of  his 
anxious  brother,  an  emaciated  figure,  and  a  countenance  pale  even  to  wanness 
— while  evidence  of  much  care  and  inward  sulfeiing  might  be  traced  iu  tho 
.stern  contraction  of  his  hitherto  open  brow.  There  was  also  a  dryness  in  his 
sjicech  that  startled  and  perplo.ved  even  more  than  the  change  in  his  person. 
The  latter  might  be  tho  elfect  of  imprisonment,  and  its  anxiety  and  privation, 
.^oupled  with  the  exhaustion  arising  from  his  recent  accident  ;  but  how  wa.1 
the  first  to  be  accouu-ted  for,  and  wherefore  was  he,  after  so  long  a  .''cparation, 
and  under  such  circumstances,  thus  inconununicative  and  unaffectionatc?  All 
these  reflections  occurred  to  the  mind  of  the  sensitive  Henry,  as  ho  sat  watch- 
ing, and  occa.sionall_y  addressing  a  remark  to,  his  taciturn  brother,  r.ntil  ho 
beoanio  fairly  bewildered  in  his  eflbrts  to  find  a  clue  to  Iris  conduct.  The 
liorrible  dread  which  had  first  suggested  itself  of  the  partial  overthrow  of  intel- 
lect, had  passed  away,  but  to  this  liad  succeeded  a  discovery  attended  by  quite 
as  much  concern,  although  creating  loss  positive  alarm.  He  had  seen,  with 
inexpressible  pain,  that  (Jerald  ate  but  little,  seeming  rather  to  loathe  his  footl, 
while  on  the  other  hand  he  had  recourse  more  frequently  to  wine,  drinking  off 
bumpers  with  greed}-  avidity,  until,  yielding  at  length  to  the  excess  of  hia 
potations,  he  fell  fast  asleep  in  thenrm-chair  he  had  drawn  to  the  fire,  over- 
come by  the  mingled  infiuence  of  wine,  fatigue  and  drowsiness. 

Bitter  were  the  feelings  of  Henry  Grantham,  as  thus  he  gazed  upon  his 
f;leei  ing  brother.  Fain  would  he  have  poi\suaded  him.self  that  the  effect  he  now 
witnessed  was  an  isolated  instance,  and  occurring  only  under  the  peculiar 
circumstances  of  the  moment.  It  was  impossible  to  rccal  the  manner  iu  wlilch 
he  had  demanded  "'  wine"  from  their  faithful  old  servant  and  friend,  and^not 
feel  satisfied  that  the  tone  proclaimed  him  one  who  had  been  in  the  frequent 
liabit  of  repeating  that  demand,  as  the  prepared  yet  painful  manner  of  the 
black,  indicated  a  sense  of  having  been  too  frequently  called  upon  to  administer 
to  it.  Alas,  thought  the  heart-stricken  Henry,  can  it  really  be,  that  he  whom 
]  have  cherished  in  my  heart  of  hearts  with  moi-e  than  brothei''s  love,  has  thus 
fallen  ?  Has  Gerald,  formerly  as  remarkable  for  sobriety  as  for  every  liouor- 
able  principle,  acquired  even  during  the  months  I  have  so  wretchedly  mourned 
his  absence,  tho  fearful  propensities  of  the  drunkard  ?  The  bare  idea  over- 
powered him.  and  with  dilViculty  restraining  his  tears,  he  rose  from  his  seat, 
and  pacea  the  room  for  sonic  time  in  a  state  of  iudescj'ibable  agita^tion.  Then 
again  ho  stopped,  and  when  he  looked  in  the  sleeping  face  ot  his  unconscious 
brother,  ho  was  more  than  ever  struck  by  the  strange  change  which  had  been 
■wrought  in  his  ajipearance.  Finding  that  Gerald  still  slept  profoundly,  he  took 
the  resolution  of  instantly  questioning  Sambo  as  to  all  that  had  befallen  them 
during  their  absence,  and  asceilaiuing,  if  possible,  to  what  circumstance  the 
mysttry  which  perplexed  him  was  attributable.  Opening  and  rcolf  sing  tho 
door  with  caution,  he  hastened  to  the  room  which,  owing  to  his  j  pars  and  long 


128 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;    OR, 


and  ffiitbfnl  scrvicps,  hud  been  set  npnrt  for  tlic  acronimodation  oi"  the  old  mat. 
when  on  sliore.  Here  he  found  Suiubo.  who  had  disnatdicd  his  snhstnntiat 
incil.  husil}'  oocnpied  in  dryinp:  his  masU'j's  wit  dnss  biforc  a  hirgo  bluzin;» 
wood  fire — and  laying  out.  with  the  saino  vio\r,  certain  papers,  the  contents 
of  a  pocket-book  wliich  had  been  completely  saturated  witli  water,  A  my  of 
satisfaction  h^jhtod  tho  dark  but  intellipent  face  of  the  nepro,  which  theiiislnnt 
beforo  had  worn  an  expression  of  snlfcrin!;,  as  the  yonnj^  officer,  presvinp  his 
hand  with  warmth,  thanked  him  deeply  and  fervently  for  the  noble,  almost 
RiiperhTiman,  exertions,  ho  had  made  that  day  to  preserve  his  brother's 
life. 

'•  Oh,  ^^assa  Henry !"  wa.s  all  the  poor  creature  could  say  in  reply,  as  he 
returned  the  pressure  with  an  emphasis  that  spoke  his  profound  attachment  to 
both.  Then  leartins  his  white  head  upon  his  hand  afrninst  the  chimney,  and 
bursting  into  tears — "  berry  much  change,  he  poor  brodcr  Geral,  ho  not  t 
same  at  all." 

Here  was  a  sad  oponinp;  indeed  to  tho  subject.  The  heart  of  the  youth  s.-vnk 
within  him,  yet  feeling  the  necessity  of  knowing  all  connected  with  his  bro- 
ther's unhappine.ss.  ho  .succeeded  in  drawing?  the  old  man  into  conversation, 
and  finally  into  a  narration  of  all  their  adventures,  as  far  at  least  as  he  had 
personal  knowledge,  from  the  moment  of  tlieir  leaving  Detroit  in  the  preceding 
autumn. 

When,  after  the  expiration  of  an  hour,  ho  returned  to  the  drawing-room, 
Gerald  was  awake,  and  so  f  r  restored  by  his  sound  sleep  as  to  be.  not  only 
moro  conununicative,  but  more  cordial  towards  his  brother.  He  even  reverted 
to  past  scenes,  and  spoke  of  the  mutual  event.s  of  their  youth,  with  a  cheerful- 
ness bordering  on  levity  ;  but  this  pained  Henry  tho  more,  for  he  saw  m  it 
but  the  fruit  of  a  forced  excitement — as  melancholy  in  adoption  as  pernicious 
in  elVect — and  his  own  heart  repugned  all  participation  in  so  unnatural  a 
gaiety,  although  he  enforced  himself  to  share  it  to  tho  outward  eye.  'Fatigue 
at  length  comi)elled  Gerald  to  comt  the  quiet  of  his  pillow,  and,  overcome  as 
his  senses  were  with  wine,  lie  slept  profoundly  until  morning. 


'    ."  '  CHAPTER  XXI.  •'     '   :   r     ' 

When  they  met  at  breakfast,  Henry  was  more  than  over  struck  and  afflict- 
ed by  the  alteration  in  his  brother's  person  and  manner.  All  traces  of  tho 
last  night's  excitement  had  disiippearc(l  with  the  cause,  and  pale,  haggard  and 
embarrassed,  he  seemed  but  the  shadow  of  his  former  self  while  the  melan- 
choly of  his  countenance  had  in  it  something  wild  and  even  fierce.  As  at  their 
first  meeting,  his  language  was  drj'  and  reserved,  and  he  seemed  rather  impa- 
tient of  conversation,  as  though  it  interfered  with  the  Indulgence  of  .some  .se- 
cret and  all  absorbing  rellection,  while,  to  Henry's  aflectionato  questioning  of 
liis  adventuioR  since  they  first  parted,  ho  replied  in  the  v.aguc  unsatisfactory 
manner  of  one  who  .seeks  to  shun  the  subject  altogether.  At  another  mo- 
ment, this  apparent  prostration  of  the  physical  man  might  have  been  ascribed 
tohis  long  immersion  of  the  preceding  day.  and  the  efforts  that  were  necessary 
to  rescue  him  from  a  watery  grave  ;  but,  fiom  the  account  Sambo  had  given 
him.  Henry  had  but  too  much  reason  to  'ear  that  11.0  disca.sc  of  body  and  mind 
which  had  so  completely  encompassed  his  unfortunate  brother,  not  only  had 
its  being  in  a  different  cause,  but  might  be  dated  from  an  earlier  period.  Al- 
though burning  with  desire  to  share  that  confidence  which  it  grieved  him  to 
the  soul  to  find  thus  unkindly  withheld,  he  made  no  effort  to  remove  the  cloak 
of  reserve  in  which  his  brother  had  invested  himself.  Thj.t  day  they  both 
dined  at  the  garrison  mess,  and  Henry  saw  with  additional  pain,  that  the  wariji 
felicitations  of  his  brothe"  officers  on  his  return,  w^re  received  bv  Gerald  wit^ 
the  same  reserve  and  iudiftcrcuce  which  had  ch  uractenzed  his  meeting  witn 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


I9U 


hhn,  while  he  evinccrl  the  same  disiiv^lination  to  enter  upon  the  solicitetl  liistory 
%\f  his  captivity,  as  well  as  tlie  causes  which  led  to  his  hold  venture,  nnd  coji- 
RSqiient  inrrow  esfnpe,  of  the  preciHlin;»  day.  Findin'^  him  thus  incoinutuni- 
cative,  anil  not  comprehending:  the  clianjre  in  his  nmntier,  they  rallie<l  him; 
*nd,  as  th(!  hottlecnrcnlated.  he  seemed  more  and  n\ore  disposed  to  miM't  their 
raillery  witli  a  cheerfulnvss  and  pood  humor  that  hroiifrht  even  the  <'iilor  into 
his  sunken  cheeks  ;  but  when.  (Inaliy,  some  of  them  proceeded  to  asU  him,  in 
their  taimtin;»  maimer,  what  lie  had  done  with  his  <dd  Hume  and  fascinatins 

[)risoner.  Miss  Montijomerie,  a  dead^'  paleness  overspread  hiscouiiteinnce,  niid 
le  lo'-,t  in  the  moment  all  power  of  disj^nisiu;;  his  feelinp;s.  His  emotion  wan 
too  smlden  ami  too  palpable,  not  to  bo  observed  by  those  who  had  unwillingly 
called  it  forth,  and  they  at  once,  with  considerate  tact.  chan;j;ed  the  conversa- 
tion. Hereupon  (Jerald  airain  made  an  elfort  to  rally,  but  no  one  returned  to 
tlie  subject.  Piqued  at  this  conduct,  he  had  more  freqnent  recourse  to  the 
bottle,  and  laujijhed  and  talked  in  a  manner  that  proved  him  to  be  laboring 
under  the  infhieuce  of  extraordinary  excitement.  When  be  took  leave  of  hiii 
brother  to  retire  to  rest,  he  was  silent,  peevish,  dissatisfiefl — almost  an'j:ry, 

Henry  passed  a  ni;.;ht  of  extreme  discjuiet.  It  was  evident  front  what  had 
occurred  at  thj  me.ss-table  in  relation  to  the  beautiful  American,  that  to  her 
was  to  bo  ascribed  the  wretchedness  to  whi(^h  (Jerald  had  become  a  victim,  and 
he  resolved  on  the  followinji^  mornin;»  to  waive  all  false  delicai^y,  and  throwini* 
himself  upon  bis  allection,  to  solicit  his  confidence,  and  otfer  whatever  counsel 
he  conceived  would  best,  tend  to  promote  his  peace  of  mind. 

At  breakfast  the  conversation  turned  on  the  intended  movement,  which  was 
to  taV:e  place  within  three  days,  and  on  this  subject  Gerald  evini;ed  a  vivacity 
that  warmed  into  eaj^c^rness.  He  had  risen  early  that  morninij;.  with  a  vie\T 
to  obtain  the  j)ermis.sion  of  the  commodore  to  make  one  of  the  ileta(!hment  of 
sailors  who  were  to  accompany  the  expedition,  and.  having  succeeded  in  ob- 
taininp;  the  commnnd  of  one  of  the  two  pun-boats  which  were  destined  to 
a.scend  the  Miami,  and  form  part  of  the  batterinj;;  force,  seemed  lii;.;hly 
pleased.  This  apparent  return  to  himself  mipht  have  led  his  brother  into  tho 
belief  that  his  feelings  bad  undergone  a  reaction,  had  he  not,  unfortunately,  hut 
too  much  reason  to  Vr .  ••.-  tli..i,  tiie  tnomcntary  gaiety  was  the  result  of  the  very 
melancholy  which  consumed  hiin.  However,  it  pavo  him  a  more  favorahlo 
opportunity  to  open  the  subject  ue.xt  his  heart,  and,  as  a  preparatory  step,  he 
dexterously  contrived  to  turn  the  conversation  into  the  ciianncl  most  suited 
to  his  purpose. 

The  only  ill  efTect  arising  from  Gerald's  recent  immersion  was  a  .seti.se  of  pain 
in  that  part  of  his  arm  which  had  been  bitten  by  tho  rattlesnake,  on  the  day 
of  the  pic-nic  to  Hop  Island,  and  it  chanced  that  this  morninp  especially  it  had 
R  good  deal  annoyed  him.  evincing  some  slight  predisposition  to  in'lanimation. 
To  subdue  this.  Ilenry  applied  with  his  own  hand  a  liniineiit  which  had  been 
recommended,  and  took  occasion,  when  he  had  finished,  to  remark  on  tlio 
devotedness  and  fearles.sncss  Jliss  Montgomerie  h.ad  manit'oted  in  coming  80 
onportunely  to  his  rescu(^in  all  probability,  thereby  preserving  hi.s  life. 

At  tr.o  sound  of  this  name  Gerald  started,  and  evinced  the  same  irnpaticnco 
of  the  subject  he  had  manifested  on  the  preceding  day.  Ilenry  keenly  re- 
marked his  emotion,  and  Gerald  was  sensible  that  he  did. 

Both  sat  for  some  minutes  gazing  at  each  other  in  expressive  silence,  tho 
one  as  if  wailing  to  hear,  the  other  as  i*"  conscious  that  he  was  expected  to 
ruflbrd.  some  explanation  of  the  cause  of  so  marked  an  emotion.  At  length 
Gerald  said  and  in  a  tone  of  deep  and  touching  despondenc}'.  '■  Henry,  I 
fear  you  find  me  very  unainiable  ami  much  altered,  but  indeed  I  am  veiy 
unliappy." 

Here  was  touched  the  first  chord  of  their  sympathies.  Henry's,  already  on 
the  elan,  flew  to  meet  this  demonstration  of  returning  confidence,  and  he  replied 
in  a  voice  broken  by  the  overflowing  of  his  full  heart.       , 

*•  Oh,  my  beloved  brother,  changed  must  you  indeed  be,  when  even  the  »d- 
missioQ  that  you  are  unhappy  inspires  mc  with  a  thankfulness  such  as  I  aovr 
k  9 


f 


130 


MATILDA     MnNTOOMERIR;     OH 


/Kil.  flcra  (I,  I  cntrnat,  T  implore  you,  hy  tho  lovo  wo  linvo  h)i'no  each  other 
from  ii)fiiriry,  to  disi^iiisc  iiotliin?;  from  mo.  Toll  mo  what  it  is  tliat  woijjhs  8<i 
hojivil  y  at  your  Iwint.  11i'I)ohc  inn  '''-'''  ''oiill'l'''ift^  i"  '"*'  your  hroflicr.  arid  li;t 
ni«  nssist  nii'l  mlviso  you  in  your  cxlromity,  us  my  poor  ability  will  permit, 
roll  me,  (lorald.  whcnforo  arc  you  tliu.-i  altmetl — what  dreadful  disappoint- 
mctit  lias  thus  turned  the  milk  of  your  nature  into  pall?" 

Gerald  irazc!  at  him  a  moment  intently,  flo  was  much  affected,  and  t.  sud- 
den and  unhidden  fi^ar  stole  down  his  jiallid  check.  "  If  yrw*  have  found  tho 
milk  of  my  nature  turned  into  j^all,  then  indcoil  am  1  oven  moro  wretched 
than  T  thoiinrht  myself.  Ihit,  Henry. you  ask  me  what  I  cannot  yield — rnycon- 
tidciu'(! — and.  even  were  it  not  so,  tljcyiLlilin.;  would  advantiii.;c  neither.  I  am 
Unhappy,  as  T  have  said,  hut  the  cause  of  that  uuhappiness  must  ever  roinrtin 
Imried  here !"  and  ho  pointed  to  his  breast.  Thia  was  said  kindly,  yet  de- 
terminedly. 

'"Enough,  Ocrald,"and  hi.s  brother  spolxc  in  terms  of  deep  reproach,  "since 
you  persist  in  witliholdinij;  your  conildcnce,  I  will  no  lon;ior  urge  it  ;  but  you 
cannot  wonder  that  T.  who  love  but  you  alone  on  earth,  should  sorrow  as  ono 
without  hope,  at  bcholdinj;  you  subject  to  a  prief  so  overwhelming  as  to  have 
driven  you  to  secik  refuse  from  it  in  an  unlKvllowed  prave." 

"  I  <lo  not  umlerstaiul  you — what  moan  you?"  quickly  interrupted  Oerild, 
raising  his  hca  I  from  the  hand  which  .supported  it  at  tho  break  fast-table^ 
while  he  colored  faintly. 

"  You  cannot  well  be  ij-'norant  of  my  meaninj;;,"  pjirsucd  Henry  in  tho  satno 

•  tone.  "  if  you  but  recur  to  the  circumstances  attending  your  arrival  here.^' 

*'  r  am  still  in  the  dark,"  continued  Gerald,  with  some  degree  of  impa- 
tience. 

•'  Cccausc  you  know  not  that  I  am  acquainted  with  all  that  took  place  on  tho 

melancholy  occasion.     Gerald,"  he  pursued,  '•  forgive  the  apparent  harshness 

«f  what  1  am  about  to  observe — but  was  it  generous — was  it  kind  in  you  to 

,  incur  the  risk  you  did,  when  you  must  have  known  that  3'onr  death  would 

"  have  entailed  upon  mean  eternal  grief?     Was  it  worth}' of  yourself,  inore- 

'  over,  to  make  the  devoted  fillower  of  your  fortunes,  a  .sharer  in  the  danger 

.  yon  so  eagerly  and  wantonly  courted  ?" 

"Nay,  my  good  brother,"  and  Gerald  made  an  attempt  at  levity,  '"you  ara 

indeed  an  unsparing  monitor  ;  but  suppose   I  .should  oiler  in  reply,  that  & 

'  spirit  ofenterprize  was  upon  mo  on  the  occasion  to  which  you  .illude,  and  that. 

fired  by  a  de.^ire  to  astoni.sh  you  all  with  a  bold  feat,  I  had  resolved  to  do  what 

■  no  other  had  done  before  mo,  3-(!t  without  apprehending  the  seriou.s  conso- 
'  quenees  which  ensued — or  even  assuming  the  danger  to  have  been  so  great." 

"  All  thi.s,  Gerald,  you  might,  yet  would  not  say ;  becau.se,  in  saying  it,  you 
would  have  to  charge  yourself  with  a  gross  insincerity  :  and  although  you  do 
not  deem  m?  worthy  to  share  your  confidence.  T  still  have  pleasure  in  know- 
ing that  my  n'''?ction  will  not  hv,  repaid  with  deceit — however  plausible  tho 
motive;  fm  ii-'  Adoption  may  iippear — by  the  substitution,  in  short,  of  that 
which  is  no!  tVi-  that  which  is."  ^ 

"  A  gr.w;;  )  isincerity  ?"  repeated  Gerald,  again  slightly  coloring. 

"  Yes,  my  brother — T  say  it  not  in  anger,  nor  in  reproach — but  a  gro.ss  in 
sincerity  it  wouM  certainly  be.     Alas,  Gerald.  3-our  motives  are  but  too  -.veil 
known  to  me.    The  danger  you  incurred  was  incurred  wilfully,  wantonly,  and 
with  a  view  to  your  own  destruction." 

Gerald  started.      The  color  had    again  fled  from  his  sunken  cheek,  ano 
he  was  a.shy  pale.     '"And  how  knew  you  this?"  he  askea  with  a  treriMui^; 
'-  voice. 

"  Even,  Gerald,  .n*;  I  know  that  you  have  been  driven  to  .seek  in  wine  that  U[- 

■  bearing  again  t  the  secret  grief  which  consumesyon.  which  should  be  found  alono 
^  in  the  fortitude  of  a  strong  mind  and  tho  consciousness  of  an  untainted  honoi. 

Oh,  Gerald,  had  tWcse  been  your  supporters,  you  never  would  have  steeped 

•  your  reason  so  far  in  forgetful ness,  as  to  have  dared  what  you  did  on  thai 
'^  OTentful  day.     Good  IIcavc:i  1  how  little  did  I  ever  expect  to  see  the  brother 


THK     PnUPHKCY     rUL FILLED. 


cai-'h  othor 
t  wL'i};hn  to 
KT,  and  U'.t 
r\\\  permit, 
lisiippoint- 

nn'l  >.  siid- 
fuuihl  tho 
a  wrctclied 
I — my  con- 
hor.  I  aui 
vcr  remain 
y,  yot  do- 


icli, 


'  smco 


but  you 
row  as  OHO 
an  to  liavo 

kfiist-tablu, 

II  tho  samo 
al  here." 
i;  of  impa- 

ilncc  on  tho 
harshiioK.s 
1  in  you  to 
latli  would 
self,  more- 
the  danger 

you  ara 
ily,  that  & 
,  and  that, 
to  do  what 
oiu  conso- 
^0  proat." 

rh  yoa  do 
;  in  know- 
iiisiblo  tho 
It,  of  that 


V  gross  m 
t  too  .veil 
itouly,  and 

hcok,  anu 
trer  i\  luij; 

le  tiiatuf- 
)niid  alonn 
led  honoi . 
vii  gtecped 
id  on  that 
ho  brother 


of  my  loFc  dp^jeneratcd  so  far  as  to  border  on  tho  character  of  tho  drun'Kftrd 
and  tho  siiiciilo." 

Tho  quick  biit.iunkon  cvP><of  the  sailor  (lashcil  fire;  and  h^prcwwd  his  lips, 
nnd  olenchufl  his  twtth  tojr«'ther,  as  one  stronirly  utteinptinj;  to  restrain  hi^  in- 
di<4nation.  It  was  but  thu  momentary  flashing  of  the  chafed  and  bruisMl 
spirit.  ' 

''  You  rrobn  mo  deeply,  Ilonry,"  he  said,  calmly  and  in  a  voice  of  m»ich 
mnluticholy.  Thfcxe  are  severe  cxprcusions  for  a  brother  to  use  ;  but  you  i»r© 
ri};ht — I  did  wek  oblivion  of  my  wretchedness  in  that  whirlpool,  as  tho  only 
means  <  f  destroy inij  the  worm  that  feeds  incessantly  tipon  my  heart;  hut 
Providi  I  ■  •  has  willed  it  otherwise — and,  morever.  I  had  not  taken  the  dan^rcr 
of  my  faithful  servant  ntto  the  account.  Had  Sambo  not  saved  nu'.  I  must 
liavc  perished  ;  for  I  made  not  the  siij^htest  elhu't  to  preserve  myself.  Hoter- 
ever,  it  matters  but  little,  the  mere  manner  of  one's  death,"  he  pursued,  with 
iiK'reascd  despondency,  "  It  is  easy  for  you,  Ilciiry,  whoso  mind  is  at  {teoco 
with  itself  and  the  world,  to  preach  fitrtitmle  and  resiguation  ;  but,  felt  yon 
the  buri'ui<!;  flamo  which  scorches  my  vitals,  you  would  acknrtwledgo  the 
wide  difl'erencc  between  theory  and  practice." 

Ilejiry  rose  deeply  a^^tated  ;  lie  went  to  the  door  and  secured  tho  bolt ; 
then  returniu'j.  knelt  at  his  brother's  feet.  Gerald  had  one  bund  coverinj;  his 
eyes,  from  whi<;h,  however,  t'lo  tears  forced  them.selves  throufi;h  hi.s  closed 
finu;er,s.     The  other  was  seized  and  warmly  pressed  in  his  hrother's  grasp. 

"Cierald."hc  said,  in  the  most  emphatic  manner.  "  l)y  tlie  love  you  ever 
Lore  to  our  sainted  parents,  in  whose  chamber  of  death  I  now  appeal  to  your 
better  feelings — by  the  friend-ship  that  has  united  our  hearts  from  youth  to 
manliood — by  all  and  every  tie  of  aircction,  let  mo  implore  you  once  mor«j  to 
ironfi'le  this  dre.idful  prief  to  mo,  that  I  may  share  it  with  you,  and  counmcl 
yoi;  for  ycnir  pood.  Oh,  my  brother,  on  my  bended  knees  do  I  solicit  your 
con(i<lence.  Believe  me,  no  mean  curiosity  prompts  my  prayer.  I  would 
soothe,  console,  assist  you — aye.  even  to  the  very  sacrifice  of  lifi'." 

The  feelinps  of  the  sailor  were  evidently  touched,  yet  he  uttered  not  a  word. 
His  hand  still  covered  his  faco,  and  tho  tears  seemed  to  flow  even  faster  thoc 
before. 

"Gerald,"  purs\ie<l  hi.s  brother,  with  bitterness;  '"I  .sec,  with  pain,  that  I 
have  not  your  confidence,  nnd  I  desist — yet  answer  mo  one  question.  Fr*ra 
tnc  fiiitlif^ul  Sambo,  as  you  nmst  perceive,  1  have  learnt  all  connected  with 
your  absence,  and  from  him  I  have  pained  that,  durinp  your  captivity,  you  were 
much  with  Miss  Montgomerie  (he  pronounced  the  name  with  an  involuntary 
shu(Merinp) ;  all  I  ask,  thei-eforo.  is,  whether  your  wretchednes,s  proceeds  from 
tho  rejevilion  of  your  suit,  or  from  any  levity  or  inconstanc}'  you  may  hnvo 
founil  in  her  ?" 

Gerald  raised  his  liead  from  hi^  supporting;  hand,  and  turned  upon  his 
brotiier  a  look  in  which  mortified  pride  predominated  over  an  infinitude  of 
couflictinp  emotions. 

'  Rejected.  Henr}',  mij  suit  rejected — oh,  no  !  In  suppo.sin,:^  my  prief  to  orf- 
pinato  with  her,  you  are  correct ;  but  imagine  not  it  is  because  my  suit  is  re- 
jected— certainly  not." 

'•  Then,"  exclaimed  Henry,  with  pcnerous  emphasis,  while  ho  pressed  the 
thin  hand  which  he  held  more  closely  between  his  own,  "  Why  not  marrv 
her?"  ,  „     ,  ,  ;'      ,    ■-■'       ■    -^ 

Gerald  started.  '" 

'Yes,  marry  her,"  continued  Henry  ;  "  marry  her  and  be  at  peace.  Oh  1 
Gerald,  jou  know  not  what  sad  aponcy  I  attached  to  that  insidious  AmcncMn 
from  the  first  moment  of  her  landinp  on  this  shore — you  know  not  liow  much 
I  have  disliked,  and  still  dislike  her — but  what  are  all  these  considerations 
wlien  my  brothcr'.s  happines.s  is  at  stake?  Gerald,  raarry  her — and  b« 
happy." 

■•  Impossible,"  returned  the  .sailor,  in  a  feeble  voice,  and  again  his  head  sank 
upon  the  open  palm  of  his  hand. 


t32 


WATILI'      M0J5TO0MEHIK  :     OR 


'    "  Do  yoa  n>  longer  love  her.  then  "i"  eagerly  questioned  the  astonished 
vouth. 

Once  more  Gerald  r,iised  his  head,  and  fixed  Ids  larpe.  dim  eves  full  npon 
those  of  his  brotlier.  "  To  m.-vlness  !"  he  said,  in  a  voice  ami  with  a  lodk  that 
made  Henry  shudder.  There  was  a  moment  of  painfid  pause.  The  latter  at 
|nn;rth  ventured  to  observe : 

'•  You  speak  in  riddles.  Gerald.  If  you  love  this  Miss  IMontgomerie  to 
madness,  and  are,  as  you  seein  to  intimate,  loved  by  her  iu  return,  why  not, 
M  I  liave  urjred,  niariy  her?" 

•'  Because."  replied  the  sailor,  turning  paler  than  before,  and  p.ljnr>st  jrasp- 
ing  for  breath,  there  is  a  condition  attacheil  to  the  possession  of  her  hand." 

'  .Vnd  that  is  ?"  pursued  Henry,  inquiringly,  after  ajiother  long  and  painful 
pause — 

"  My  secret,*'  and  Gerald  pointed  significantly  to  his  brenst.  '  *  ■  ■'•• 

"True,"  returnerl  Henry,  .slightly  coloring;  ''I  had  ftr;:ottcn — but  what 
condition,  Gerald  (and  here  he  spoke  as  if  piqued  at  the  ahriipt  manner  in 
which  his  brother  had  concluded  his  half  confidence),  what  condition,  I  ask, 
may  a  woman  entitled  to  our  respect,  as  well  as  to  our  love,  jiropose.  which 
should  be  held  of  more  account  than  that  severest  of  ofl'encos  against  the  Di- 
vine will — .self-murder?  Nay.  look  not  thus  surprised  ;  for  have  you  not  ad- 
mitted that  you  had  guiltily  attempted  to  throw  aw.ay  your  life — to  commit 
suicide,  in  shoa-t — rather  than  comply  with  an  earthly  con<liti()n  ?" 

"  What  if  in  this."  returned  Gerald,  with  a  ^mile  of  bitterness,  '"I  havn 
preferred  the  les.ser  guilt  to  the  greater  7" 

"I  can  understand  no  condition,  my  brother,  a  woman  worthy  of  your 
esteem  could  impose,  which  should  one  moment  weigh  in  the  .sime  scalo 
against  the  inexpiable  crime  of  self-destruction.  But.  really,  all  this  mystery 
so  startles  and  confounds  me,  that  I  know  not  what  to  think — what  inference 
to  draw." 

"  Henry."  observed  the  sailor,  with  some  show  of  impat;en(!0,  "  considering 
jour  promise  "ot  to  urge  it  further,  it  seems  to  me  you  pu.sh  the  matter  to  aji 
extremity." 

The  youth  made  no  reply,  but,  r.ai.sing  himself  froii\  his  knees,  moved  to- 
wards the  door,  which  he  again  unbolted.  He  then  walked  to  the  window 
•t  the  further  end  of  the  apartment. ' 

Gerald  saw  that  he  was  deeply  pained ;  and.  impatient  and  angry  wit.r 
himself  ho  also  rose  and  paced  the  room  with  hmried  steps.  At  length  he 
stopped,  and  putting  one  hand  upon  the  shoulder  of  his  brother,  who  stood 
gazing  vacantly  from  the  window,  pointed  with  the  other  towuids  that  part 
of  the  apartment  in  which  both  their  parents  had  breathed  their  last. 

"Henry,  my  kind,  good  Henry."  ho  said,  with  a  voire  faltering  with  emo- 
tion, "'do  you  recollect  the  morning  when,  on  our  return  from  sc'iool.  wo. 
found  our  young  holiday  joy  changed  into  heart-breaking  and  moinning  by 
the  .sight  of  our  dying  mother  ?" 

•  Remember  it,  Gerald  !  .aye.  even  as  though  it  had  been  yesterday.  Oh, 
my  brother,  little  did  I  think  at  the  moment  when,  with  hands  closely  Ciaspe<l 
together,  we  sattk,  overcome  with  grief,  upon  our  bended  knees,  to  receive  that 
mother's  blessing,  a  day  would  ever  .arrive  when  the  joy  or  .sorrow  of  the  one 
should  form  no  portion  of  the  joy  or  sorrow  of  the  other." 

'"It  was  there,"  pursued  Gerald,  and  without  noticing  the  interruption, 
•that  we  .solemnly  pledged  ourselves  to  do  the  will  and  bidding  of  our  lather 
in  all  things." 

*'  Even  so,  Gerald,  I  remember  it  well."     ' 

•'  And  it  was  there,"  continued  the  sailor,  with  the  emphasis  of  stronir  emo- 
tion, "  that,  during  my  unfortunate  absence  fron»  th.'  death-be<l  of  otu"  yel 
surviving  parent,  you  gave  a  pledge  for  fio/A,  that  no  action  of  our  lives  should 
rofiect  dishonor  on  his  unsullied  name." 

"I  did.    Both  in  your  name  and  in  my  own,  T  gave  the  pledge — well  knosv 
ing  that,  in  that,  I  merely  anticipated  your  desire." 


B  astonished 
cs  full  upon 

I   !\  look   tllJlt 

riie  latter  at 

it^omorie  to 
n,  why  not, 

iljnost  jra'^p- 
lor  hand." 
:  and  painful 


1 — but  what 
it  ni.'ujJisr  in 
lition,  I  iisk, 
:)|)()se.  which 
liiist  the  I)i' 
yoii  not  ad- 
— to  commit 

iss,  '"I  havo 

thy  of  your 

f  same  scalo 
this  nivstei'v 
liat  infereiico 

considering 
tnattcr  to  an 

s,  moved  io- 
thc  window 

antrrv  witc 
\t  lunjath  he 
.  who  stood 
Js  tliat  part 
ast. 

r  with  crno- 
I  school,  wo 
iiourning  by 

crday.  Oh, 
soly  clasped 
receive  that 
y  of  the  ono 

ntorruption, 
if  our  father 


strori'.:  cmo- 
1  of  oiu"  yii 

ives  should 

•well  know 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED 


133 


'"  Most  asMHcdly ;  what  then  would  bo  your  sensations  were  you  to  know 
that  I  had  violated  that  "sacred  obligation?" 

'•  Oeep,  poi'jrnant,  ceaseless  regret,  that  my  once  noble  and  hi^h-spirited 
liirther  should  have  been  so  lost  to  respect  for  his  father's  memory  and  for 
himself."     This  was  uttered  not  without  deep  agitation. 

"  VoM  aio  right,  Henry,"  added  Qerald,  mournfully  ;  ''better,  far  better,  is 
it  to  die  than  live  on  in  the  consciousness  of  having  forfeited  all  claim  to 
cstec'Tn." 

The  young  soldier  started  as  if  a  viper  had  stung  him.  "  Gerald,"  he  said, 
ciorcrly,  --you  have  not  dishonored  j'ourilf.  Oh  no — tell  me,  my  brother, 
that  yon  have  not." 

"  No,"  was  the  cold,  repulsive  answer;  "  although  my  peace  of  mind  is  fled," 
he  pursued,  rather  more  mildly,  '  my  honor,  thank  heaven,  remains  as  pur« 
as  when  vou  first  ple<lged  yourse.f  for  its  preservation." 

"Tiianks.  my  brother,  for  that.  But  can  it  really  be  po.ssible,  that  the 
mysterious  condition  attached  to  Miss  Montgoinerie's  love  involves  the  losa 
of  honor  ?" 

Gerald  matle  no  answer. 

"  And  crin  ijnu  really  he  weak  enough  to  entertain  a  pas.sion  for  a  woman, 
wlio  would  make  the  dishonoring  of  the  fair  fame  of  him  she  professes  to  love 
the  fearful  price  at  which  her  affection  is  to  he  purchased  ?" 

Gerald  seemed  to  wmce  at  the  »vord  "  weak,"  which  was  rather  emphati- 
cally proiioiinced.  an<l  looked  displeased  at  the  concluding  partof  the  sentenco. 

'•  I  said  not  that  the  condition  attached  to  her  /ope,"  he  remarked,  with  tho 
:iq«cd  expression  of*  wounded  vanity  ;  "  her  affection  is  mine.  I  know,  beyond 
ner  own  power  of  control — the  condition  relates  not  to  her  heart,  but  to  her 
haiifl." 

"  Alas,  my  poor  infituated  brother.  Blinding  indeed  must  be  the  delusions 
of  passion,  when  a  nature  so  sensitive  and  so  honorable  shrinks  not  from  such 
a  connexion.  My  only  surpri.se  is,  that,  with  f'uch  a  perversion  of  judgment 
you  have  returned  at  all." 

'■No  more  of  this  Henry.  It  is  not  in  man  to  control  his  destiny,  and  mine 
appe;irs  to  be  to  love  with  a  fervor  that  must  bear  rae,  ere  long,  to  my  grave. 
Of  this,  however,  be  assured — that,  whatever  my  weakness,  or  infatuation,  as 
you  mav  bo  pleased  to  call  it,  (lint  passion  shall  never  be  gratified  at  the  ex- 
pense of  my  honor.  Deeply — madly  as  I  doat  upon  her  image,  Miss  Mont- 
goinerie  and  1  have  met  (or  the  last  time." 

Overcome  by  the  emotion  witli  which  he  had  thus expres.sed  himself,  Gerald 
could  not  restrain  a  few  burning  tears  that  forced  their  way  down  his  hollow 
cheeks.  Henry  cait/M  eagerly  at  this  indication  of  returning  softness,  and 
again  essayed  'n  n  AiTonce  to  the  concluding  declaration  of  his  brother,  to  urge 
upon  him  t'o  tii^^v  .r:'.::i<ess  of  her  who  had  thus  cast  her  deadly  spell  upon 
his  bi-npiue.'  i.  But  Gerald  could  ill  cndura  tho  slightest  allusion  to  the 
subj'Ti. 

'•  n'l'iry  she  said.  "  I  have  already  told  you  tha  Tdiss  Montgomerie  and  I 
have  partei  for  ever;  but  n'"t  the  less  devotedly  da  I  love  her.  If  therefore, 
you  wouhi  !0t  farther  wring  a  heart  already  u  ,  ken  with  affliction,  oblige 
me  hv  ncer  making  th^  slightest  mention  of  her  naruo  tU  ray  presence — or 
evci  r.d*".'rting  again  to  our  conversation  of  this  mo:ning.  I  am  sure,  Henry, 
you  will  not  deny  me  this." 

Jlenry  olforod  no  other  reply  than  by  throw  ng  himself  into  the  arms  that 
were  extended  to  receive  him.  The  ern'oTice  of  the  brothers  vas  long  and 
fervent,  and,  althmigh  there  was  perhaps  more  of  pain  than  pleasure,  in  their 
mutual  sense  of  the  causes  wh>-oh  hat  led  t-^  "t  in  the  present  instance — still 
was  it  proiliictive  of  a  'uxury  tut;  u^o.^t  her-tfelt.  It  seemed  to  Iwth  as  if  the 
gpiri;  ■  of  their  departed  jjitrents  hovei'^r'.  o\er,  and  ble.ssed  them  in  this  indi- 
ciiion  of  their  returning  a'K'c'ior^  nal.lowing.  with  their  invisible  presence,  « 
Scene  connected  with  tie  !ii.-f.  ,v'  .'lonitions  from  their  dying  lips.  When  thcj 
tiad  thus  given  vent  to  I'tnir  '  <-:ling'j,  aUh<"ugh  the  sense  of  unhafpiness  con« 


194 


MATILDA     MONTOOMKRIB;    OR, 


tinu'id  unfliminished,  their  hearts  experienced  a  sensible  relief;  and  vrhim  they 
Btiparated  for  the  mornini^,  in  pursuit  of  their  respecti  re  avocatic/n;!.  it  was  with 
A  subdued  manner  on  the  part  of  Gerald,  and  a  vapjue  hope  with  Henry,  iliat 
his  brother's  disease  would  eventually  yield  to  various  influences,  and  that  othc  • 
»nd  happier  days  were  yet  in  store  for  both. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

i."  -■■„  .  I.'.  ■  .  

Meanwiule  the  preparations  for  the  departure  of  the  expedition  for  the 
Miami  were  rapidly  completinpf.  To  the  majority  of  the  regular  force  of  tho 
two  garrisons  were  added  several  companies  of  militia,  ard  u  considerable  body 
of  Indians,  under  Teeumseh — the  two  former  portions  o/  the  force  being  des- 
tined to  advance  by  water,  the  latter  by  land.  The  spring  bad  been  unusu- 
ally early,  and  the  whole  of  April  remarkably  warm  ;  on  some  occasions  sultry 
to  oppressiveness — as  for  instance  on  the  morning  of  the  tempest.  They  were 
now  in  the  first  days  of  the  last  week  of  that  nionth,  and  everywhere  quick 
and  luxuriant  vegetation  had  .succeeded  to  the  stubborn  barrenness  and  mono- 
tony of  winter.  Not  a  vestige  of  that  dense  mass  of  ice  which,  three  months 
previously,  had  borne  them  over  lake  and  river,  was  now  to  be  seen.  The  sun 
danced  joyously  and  sportively  on  the  golden  war.-  and  where  rccenily 
lowered  the  rugged  surface  of  the  tiny  iceberg,  the  s':"  r.'Un,  fibrokcn  level 
of  the  mirroring  lake  was  only  visible.  On  the  beach,  just  below  the  town, 
and  on  a  line  with  the  little  fleet,  '^^hat  lay  at  anchor  bel\  ^cn  the  island  and 
the  main,  were  drawn  up  numerous  batteaux,  ready  for  the  reception  of  the 
troops,  while  on  the  decks  of  two  gun-boats,  that  were  moored  a  few  yanl.^ 
without  them,  were  to  be  seen  the  battering  train  and  entrenching  tools  in- 
tended to  accompany  the  expedition.  Opposite  to  each  battcau  was  kindled  a 
fire,  around  which  were  grouped  the  voyageurs  composing  the  crew,  .some  di- 
viding their  Gait  pork  or  salt  fish  upon  their  bread,  with  a  greasy  clasped  knife, 
and  quenchmg  the  thirst  excited  by  this  with  occasional  libations  from  tin 
cans,  containing  a  mixture  of  water  and  the  poi.sonous  distillation  of  the  coun- 
try, miscalled  whiskey.  In  other  directions,  those  who  had  dined  sat  pulling 
the  smoke  from  their  dingy  pijjcs.  while  again,  they  v.ho  had  suflicicutly 
luxuriated  on  the  weed,  might  be  seen  .^'eeping,  after  the  manner  oi  \}\c  In- 
dians, with  tneir  heads  resting  on  the  first  rude  pillow  that  oilercd  it;;f|f,  "^r.-i 
their  feet  close  upoii  the  embers  of  the  fire  on  which  they  had  prepared  Vi.  '- 
Gocal.  The  indolence  of  inactivity  was  more  or  less  upon  all.  but  it  wps  u.c  ir 
dolence  consequent  on  previous  exertion,  and  a  want  of  further  err  ploymcit. 
The  whole  scene  was  characteristic  of  the  peculiar  manners  of  w  c  From  h 
Canadian  boatmen. 

Since  the  morning  of  l!io  long  and  partial  explanation  between  the  brothors, 
no  further  allusion  had  hem  made  to  the  ftu'bidden  subject.  Henry  saw,  wirh 
unfeigned  satisfaotion.  that  Clerald  not  only  abstained  from  the  fal.se  excite- 
ment to  which  he  kad  hitherto  iiijd  rccour.sc.  but  that  he  apparently  sought  to 
rally  against  his  dejection.  It  is  true  that  whenever  he  chanced  to  surpri.so 
him  alone,  he  observed  him  pale,  thoughtful,  and  fidl  of  care,  but,  as  he  in- 
variably endeavored  to  hide  tho  feeling  at  his  approach,  he  argued  favoiT.My 
even  from  the  cflbrt.  Early  on  the  day  previous  to  that  of  the  .sailing  of  the 
expedition,  Gerald  asked  leave  for  a  visit  of  a  few  hours  to  Detroit,  urging  a 
desire  to  see  the  family  of  his  uncle,  w'lo  still  remained  quartered  at  thai  post, 
and  whom  he  had  not  met  .since  his  retnrn  from  captivity.  Tins  had  been 
readily  granted  by  the  Commodore,  in  whom  the  change  in  the  healtii  aiui 
spirits  of  his  young  favorite  had  excited  both  surprise  and  coiicern.  ;  id  wlio. 
anxious  for  his  restoration,  was  ready  to  promote  wli.itevtr  might  condiirc  (.< 
his  comfort.  lie  had  even  gone  so  fir  as  to  hint  tl,e  proj.Tietv  jf  his  rcUii- 
quishiirg  hii  intention  of  accompanying  the  expedition,  (which  was  likilv  U 


[id  whijn  they 
iK.  ii  was  with 
I  Henry,  ilitit 
md  that  othc  • 


flition  for  the 
r  foroe  of  tho 
ulerrtble  body 
rce  being  dcs- 
been  unnsu- 
:asioiis  sultry 
.  They  wcro 
vhere  quick 
'S8  and  mono- 
three  months 
en.  The  sun 
tierc  recently 
'ibroken  kivel 
o\v  the  town, 
he  island  and 
^option  of  tho 
a  few  yards 
liing  tools  in- 
was  kindled  a 
row,  some  di- 
clasped  knife, 
ons  from  tin 
1  of  the  coun- 
d  sat  pullinj» 
1  suflicicntly 
er  01  the  In- 
■cd  it.flf  '>:.,i 
reparer'  ',*..  '■- 
it  WPS  ticir 
err  ploymciu 
i  c  Fi-en(  h 

the  brothers, 
iry  saw,  wifh 
false  exci te- 
lly sou;j;ht  td 
d  to  surprise 
ut.  as  he  in- 
ed  favorr.lily 
Bailiup;  of  the 
roit.  nr;;injr  a 
at  that  post, 
lis  had  been 
(>  health  nitd 
rn,  ;  id  «  lio, 
.t  coiiiliirc  i.' 
jf  his  ri'liii- 
was  likrlv  IJ 


THK     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


135 


be  ittet.dcd  with  much  privation  and  exposure  to  those  cnfcaj^cd  in  it),  and. 
fiuifering  another  officer  to  be  substituted  to  his  commaml,  while  ho  remained 
'it  homo  to  recruit  his  health.  Ihit  Gerald  hoard  the  well  meant  proposal 
with  ill  disguised  impatience,  and  he  rci)lied  with  a  liurnin:;  cheek,  that  if  hia 
ibsence  fur  a  day  could  not  be  allowon  without  inGonvenience  to  the  service, 
he  was  ready  to  submit ;  but,  as  far  as  regarded  his  making  one  of  the  expe- 
dition, nothing  short  of  a  positive  command  should  compel  him  to  remain  be- 
hind. Fin(Ung  him  thtis  obstinate,  tho  Conlmodore  good  humoredly  called, 
liim  a  silly,  wilful,  fellow,  and  bade  him  have  his  own  way  ;  however  ho  felt 
confident  that,  if  he  accompanied  the  Miami  expedition  in  his  then  state  of 
hciilth,  he  never  would  reiurn  from  it. 

Gerald  submitted  it  was  probable  enough  he  should  not,  but.  although  ha, 
deeply  felt  the  kindness  of  his  Commander's  motive  in  wishing  him  to  remain, 
he  was  not  the  less  determined,  since  the  matter  was  left  to  his  own  choice,  to 
go  where  his  duty  led  him.  Then,  promising  to  be  back  long  before  the  hour 
fixed  for  sailing  the  ensuing  day,  he  warmly  pressed  the  cordially  extended 
Land,  and  soon  afterwards,  accompanied  by  Sambo,  whose  skill  as  a  ri<1er  wa.1 
in  no  way  inferior  to  his  dexterity  as  a  steersman,  mounted  a  favorite  horse, 
and  was  soon  far  on  his  road  to  Detroit. 

Towards  midni.ght  of  that  day.  two  men  were  observed  by  the  American 
tanner,  to  cn*:cy  by  the  gate  that  led  into  the  grounds  of  the  cottage,  and,  after 
lingering;  for  a  ^'iw  moments,  near  the  graves  to  which  tradition  had  attached 
fX)  much  of  the  marvellous,  to  disappear  round  the  angle  of  the  building  into 
tho  court  behind.  Curiosity  induced  him  to  follow  and  watch  their  move- 
monts.  and,  although  he  could  not  refrain  from  turning  his  head  at  least  a 
dozen  times,  as  if  expecting  at  each  moment  to  encounter  some  dread  inhabi- 
tant of  the  tomb,  he  at  length  contrived  to  place  himself  in  the  very  po.><ition 
in  which  Gerald  had  formerly  been  a  witness  of  the  attempt  at  assassination. 
From  the  same  window  now  flashed  a  strong  light  upon  the  court  below,  and 
by  this  the  fi-atures  of  the  officer  and  his  servant  were  distinctly  revealed  to 
the  .astonished  tanner,  who.  ignorant  of  their  return,  and  scarcely  knowing 
whether  he  gar'.ed  upon  tlie  living  or  the  dead,  would  have  fled,  had  he  not.  a.-* 
ne  afterward  •(  confes.sed.  been  rooted  by  fear,  and  a  species  of  f^iscination.  to 
the  spot.  The  appearance  and  actions  of  tho  parties  indeed  seemed  to  justify, 
no:  on'jy  the  delusion,  but  the  alarm  of  the  worthy  citizen.  Both  Ger.ald  and 
Sarobo  were  disguised  in  large  dark  cloaks,  and  as  the  light  fell  upon  the  thin 
pr,-son  and  pale,  .attenuated,  sunken  counten.anco  of  the  former,  ho  could 
scarcely  persuade  himself  this  was  the  living  man,  who  a  few  months  before, 
r'ch  in  beauty  and  in  health,  had  questioned  him  of  the  very  spot  in  which  lio 
00  v,  under  such  strange  circumstances,  beheld  him.  Nor  was  the  appeananco 
9f  ihe  negro  more  assuring.  Filled  with  the  terror  that  ever  inspired  him  on 
approaching  this  scene  of  past  liorrors,  his  usually  dark  check  wore  the  dingy 
paleness  characteristic  of  death  in  one  of  his  color,  while  every  muscle,  stifK, 
set,  contracted  by  superstitious  fear,  seemed  to  have  lost  all  power  of  relaxa- 
tion. The  solemnity  moreover  of  the  manner  of  both,  was  in  strict  keepiiv;; 
with  their  personal  appearance,  so  that  it  can  s<.'arcely  bo  wondered  that  in  » 
mind  not  the  strongest  nor  the  most  free  from  a  belief  in  the  supernatural,  a 
due  quantum  of  awe  and  alarm  should  have  been  instilled.  Fe;ir.  however, 
had  not  wholly  subdued  curiosity,  and  even  while  trembling  to  such  a  degroo 
that  he  could  scarcely  keep  his  teeth  from  chattering,  the  tanner  followed  with 
eager  eye  tho  movements  of  those  he  knew  not  whether  to  look  upon  osi 
ghosts  01  living  beings.  The  room  was  exactly  in  the  state  in  which  we  l.-ust 
described  it,  with  tliis  difTercncc  merely,  that  the  table,  on  which  the  lamp 
»r.d  books  had  been  pl.aced  now  lay  ovcrturufd,  .as  if  in  tho  course  of  somo 
fiolent  sculTIo,  and  its  contents  distributed  over  the  foor.  The  bed  still  rc- 
mait.ed,  in  the  .same  corner,  unmade,  and  its  covering  tossed.  It  was  evident 
no  ono»'iad  entered  the  apartment  since  tho  night  of  the  attempted  as.sassi- 
nation. 

The  first  act  of  Gerald,  wlio  I  ore  the  light,  followed  closely  by  Sambo,  w« 


r^l^. 


^KW 


136 


MATILDA     MONT  00  M  ERIE;     OR, 


to  mtjtion  the  latter  to  raise  the  fallen  table.  When  this  was  done  he  plaowJ 
his  tamp  iipon  it,  and  sinkin":  upon  the  foot  of  the  bed,  and  coverin;»  his  eyes 
with  liis  hands,  socmcd  (itterly  absorbed  in  bitter  recollections.  The  negro, 
ineanu'hilt",  r,n  apparent  stranger  to  th^ scene,  cast  his  eyes  around  him  with 
the  shiinking  caution  of  one  who  find* himself  in  a  position  of  danger,  and 
fears  to  encounter  some  terrific  sight,  then,  as  if  the  cffbri  was  beyond  Iris 
power,  ho  drew  the  collar  of  his  cloak  over  his  face,  and  shulflinpf  to  get  as  near 
as  possible  to  the  bed  as  though  in  the  act  ha  came  more  immediately  under 
the  protection  of  him  who  sat  upon  it,  awaited,  in  an  attitude  of  statue-liko 
immobilit}',  the  awakening  of  his  master  from  his  reverie. 

Gerald  at  length  withdrew  his  hands  from  his  pallid  face,  on  which  the 
glare  of  the  lamp  rested  forcibly,  and,  with  a  wild  look  and  low,  but  impera- 
tive voice,  bade  the  old  ncgio  seat  himself  beside  liim  still  lower  on  the 
feed. 

"  Sambo,"  he  inquired  abruptly — '•  how  old  were  j'ou  when  the  Indian  ixir.s- 
Racrc  took  place  near  this  spot.  You  were  then.  I  think  I  have  heard  it  staged, 
the  servant  of  Sir  Evcrard  Vallctort?" 

The  old  negro  looked  aghast.  It  was  long  since  direct  allusion  had  been 
made  to  his  unfortunate  master  or  the  events  of  that  period.  Questioned  in 
«uch  a  spot,  and  at  s;;  h  an  hour,  ho  could  not  repress  the  fooling  of  terror 
<  '•  ■■  r^d  up  by  the  allusion.  Scarcely  daring  to  exceed  a  whi.sper,  he  an- 
:,vV(:rod. 

' ''   ?>Iassa  Geral,  for  Ilebben's  sake  no  talkce  dat.     It  berry  long  time  ago, 
and  hi  oak  poor  nigger  heart  to  tink  ob  it " 

"  But  I  insist  on  knowing,"  returned  Gerald  loudly  and  peremptorily  ; 
"  wore  you  old  enough  to  recollect  the  curse  that  poor  heart-broken  woman, 
Ellen  Iliilloway,  uttered  on  all  our  race,  and  if  .so  what  was  it  7" 

"  No,  ^lassa  Geral,  I  no  sabby  dat.  Sambo  den  only  piccaninny,  and  Sir 
Ebbcred  make  him  top  in  he  fort — oh  berry  bad  times  dat,  Massa  Geral. 
Poor  Frank  Ilallabay  he  shot  fust,  because  he  let  he  grandfadder  out  ob  ho 
fort,  and  don  ebery  ting  go  bad — berry  bad  indeed." 

"  But  the  curse  of  Ellen  Ilalloway,  Sambo,  3'ou  nmst  have  heard  of  it  surely 
— even  if  you  were  not  present  at  the  utterance.  Did  she  not."  he  continued, 
finding  that  the  other  replied  not:  "'Did  she  not  pray  that  the  blood  (f  mj' 
gi'cat  grandfather's  children  might  be  spilt  on  the  very  spot  that  had  been 
moistened-  with  that  of  her  ill-fated  husband — and,  that  if  any  of  the  race 
should  survive,  it  might  be  only  with  a  view  to  their  perishing  in  some  horrible 
manner.     A7as  not  this  the  case  ?" 

'•  Oh  yes,  ]\Iassa  Geral,  berry  bad  tongue  Ellen,  affi?  he  lose  he  husband — 
but.  poor  ting,  he  half  mad  and  no  sabby  what  he  say.  lie  time  to  start  for 
he  2:iiii-boat.  !Massa  Geral." 

The  part  Sambo  had  sustained  in  this  short  dialogue  was  a  forced  one.  II« 
had  answered  almost  mechanically,  and  not  altogether  without  embarrassment, 
the  few  queries  that  were  put  to  him.  Nay,  so  fi\r  was  he  governed  by  sur- 
rouiifiing  local  influences,  that  the  anguish  he  would,  under  other  circum- 
stances, have  experienced,  at  this  raking  up  of  recollections  he  so  sedulously 
avoided,  was  lost  in  ter.'-or,  produced  by  his  near  and  midnight  propinquity  to 
the  fatal  theatre  of  death.  Ilis  only  idea  now  was  to  leave  the  spot  as  quickly 
as  he  could. 

GeraUl  had  again  covered  his  face  with  his  hands,  and  apjieared  to  be  labor- 
ing under  .strong  agitation  of  mind.  At  length  he  started  abruptly  up,  and 
Mixing  the  light,  held  it  forward,  stooping  over  the  bed,  as  if  gazing  fixedly  on 
Bome  object  within. 

'•  No,"  he  said  with  vehemence.  "  it  .shall  never  be.  That  part  of  the  male- 
diction, at  least,  shall  not  be  accomplished.  For  once  shall  the  curse  of  thfl 
izuiocent  be  unheede<l," 

The  strange  iirtion  and  words  of  the  excited  officer,  by  no  means  coniributed 
to  allay  the  nervousness  of  the  brave  but  superstitious  negro.  lie  had  ap- 
proached as  near  as  he  could  to  GeraUr  without  actually  touching  him     but 


THE     PUOPHECY    FOLFILLEI). 


137 


me  lie  plnoyd 

rin;»  his  eyes 

Tlie  nepro. 

inri  him  with 

danger,  and 

beyond  l>is 

;o  get  as  near 

liately  under 

if  statuc-liko 

n  which  the 

but  impera- 

owor  on  tho 

'  Indian  rar.s- 
ard  it  staied, 

m  had  been 
•uestioned  in 
ing  of  terror 
ispcr,  he  an- 


ong  time  ago, 


cremptorily ; 
ken  woman, 

ny,  and  Sir 
lassa  Geral. 
*r  out  ob  ho 

d  of  it  surely 
le  continued, 
blood  (f  my 
it  had  been 
of  the  raco 
omo  horrible 

I  husband — 
to  start  for 

cd  one.  lie 
larrassmont, 
r.ed  by  sur- 
lier circum- 
sedulously 
opinquity  to 
»t  as  quickly 

to  be labor- 
>tly  up.  and 
g  fixedly  on 

of  the  male- 
nirse  of  thfl 

coniributcd 
lie  had  ap- 
g  hitn     but 


when  he  remarked  his  abrupt  movement,  and  heard  the  swldcn  outburst  of 
feeling  which  accompanied  it,  he  half  fancied  he  w.ns  apostrophizing  some 
spirit  visible  only  to  himself,  and  shocked  and  terrified  at  this  idea,  lie  turned 
away  his  head. 

Sambo's  alarm  was  not  to  terminate  here.  Scarcely  had  he  bent  his  glance 
upon  the  window  when  he  beheld  two  glaring  eyes,  magnified  by  his  fear  into 
thrice  tlieir  natural  size,  fixed  intently  on  that  part  of  tlie  room  in  which  they 
stood.  lie  attempted  to  cry  out,  but  the  sound  was  stilKid  in  his  throat,  and 
he  sank  upon  his  knees,  holding  up  his  hands  in  an  attitude  of  prayer — his 
teetli  chattering,  and  his  eyes  fascinated  by  those  which  liad  produced  in  him 
this  paroxysm  of  terror.  Presently  he  thought  he  saw  a  mouth  open,  and  a 
row  of  large  and  ragged  teeth  display  themselves  in  a  grin  of  derision.  With 
a  desperate  clFort  ho  broke  the  spell  that  seemed  to  enchain  every  faculty,  aixl 
called  piteously  and  imploringly  on  the  name  of  Gerald.  The  olTiccr,.who  had 
continued  gazing  on  the  untenanted  bed  in  deep  abstraction,  and  seeming  for- 
getfulness  of  alt  surrounding  objects,  turned  hastily  round,  and  w.as  much  con- 
cerned t>>  observe  the  terrified  expression  of  the  old  man's  countenance.  Fol- 
lowing the  direction  of  liis  fixed  gaze,  lie  looked  toward  the  window  for  a  so- 
hition  of  the  cause.  At  that  moment  a  noise  was  heard  without,  as  of  a  fall- 
ing body.  Gerald  .sprang  towards  tho  window,  and  hastily  lifting  it,  thrust 
the  lamp  through ;  but  nothing  was  visible,  neither  was  there  sound  of  foot- 
Bteps  to  be  heard. 

IJcfore  daybreak  on  the  following  morning,  the  poor  old  negro,  whom  no 
living  danger  could  daunt,  had  given  but  too  alarming  evidence  that  his  reason 
was  utterly  alienated.  His  ravings  were  wild  and  fearful,  and  nothing  could 
remove  the  impression  that  the  f:ice  he  had  belield  was  that  of  tho  once  terri- 
V.>le  Wacousta — the  same  face  wiiich  had  presented  itself,  under  such  extra- 
ordinary circumstances,  at  the  window  of  the  Canadian's  hut,  on  tho  night  of 
the  departure  of  his  master.  Sir  Everard  Valletort,  and  Captain  De  Ilaldimer, 
for  Michillimackinac  in  1763.  Nay,  .so  rooted  was  this  belief,  that,  with  tho 
fervor  of  that  zeal  which  had  governed  his  whole  life  and  conduct  toward.s 
each  succeeding  generation  of  the  family,  he  prayed  and  obtained,  during  a 
momentary  gleam  of  reason,  the  promise  of  the  much  shocked  Gerald, 
that  he  would  never  again  set  foot  within  the  precincts  of  these  fatal 
grounds. 

Inexpressibly  grieved  as  Gerald  was  at  this  sad  and  unexpected  termina- 
tion to  his  adventure,  he  had  no  time  to  linger  near  his  unfortunate  servant. 
The  expedition  was  to  set  out  in  a  few  liours,  and  he  had  too  completely  bent 
his  mind  upon  accompanying  it  to  incur  the  slightest  chance  of  a  disappoint- 
ment, [jcaving  the  faithful  and  unfortunate  creature  to  the  care  of  his  uncle's 
family,  by  every  member  of  whom  he  was  scarcely  less  loved  than  l)y  him- 
self, he  took  the  ferry  to  the  opposite  shore  within  an  hour  after  daybreak, 
,tn  I  made  such  s])eed  that,  when  Henry  came  down  to  breakfast  lie  found,  to 
his  surprise,  his  brother  alrcafly  there. 

Duiing  his  ride.  Gerald  had  had  leisure  to  reflect  on  tho  events  of  the  pre- 
ceding night,  aiKl  bitterly  did  he  regret  having  yielded  to  a  curiosity  which 
had  cost  the  unfortunate  Sambo  so  much.  lie  judged  oorrectly  that  they  had 
been  followed  in  their  rocturnal  excursion,  ami  that  it  was  the  face  of  some 
prying  visitant  which  Sambo's  superstitious  dread  had  transformed  into  a 
Imleous  vision  of  the  past.  lie  recalled  the  insuperable  aversion  the  old  man 
had  ever  entertain  jd  to  approach  or  even  make  mention  of  the  spot,  and  greatly 
did  he  blame  himsslf  for  having  persisted  in  oU'eriug  a  violence  to  his  nature, 
the  extent  of  whicli  had  been  made  .so  fearfully  obvious.  It  brouglit  no  con- 
solation to  him  to  reflect  that  the  spot  itself  contained  nought  that  should 
have  produced  so  alarming  an  elfect  on  a  mind  pj'operly  constituted.  He  felt 
that,  knowing  his  weakness  as  he  did,  heouglitnot  to  have  trifled  with  it.  and 
could  not  deny  ta  himself,  that  in  enforcing  his  attendance,  with  a  view  ta 
obtain  information  on  several  points  connected  with  the  past,  lie  had  been  in- 
directly the  destroyer  of  his  reason      There  had  been  a  season  vviica  Vho  uu 


#i 


13!9 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;     OH 


ii  mi 


happy  Knilor  wnuld  hjivo  felt  a  sorrow  even  deeper  than  he  did,  but  Gerald 
w;xs  iiitlocd  an  altered  being — too  ranch  rapt  in  himself  to  give  heed  to 
others. 

The  paiiiiul  natnro  ofliis  reflections,  added  to  the  fatigno  he  had  undergone, 
had  given  to  his  ooiintenamre  a  more  tl,nn  usually  haggard  expression.  Henry 
reinarlxed  it  and  inquiied  the  cause,  when  his  brother,  in  a  few  brief  sentences, 
explained  all  that  Iiad  occurred  during  his  absence.  Full  of  affection  as  ha 
was  for  the  (yld  man.  and  utterly  unprepared  for  such  a  communication,  Henry 
could  not  avoid  expressing  <leep  vexation  that  his  brother,  aware  as  he  was  of 
the  peculiar  weakness  of  tlitir  aged  friend,  should  have  been  inconsiflerato 
enough  to  have  drawn  him  thither.  Gerald  felt  the  reproof  to  be  just,  and 
fijr  that  very  reason  grew  piqued  mider  it.  Pained  as  he  was  at  the  condition 
of  Sambo.  Ilonry  was  even  more  distrcs.scd  at  witnessing  the  apparent  apathy 
of  his  brother  for  the  fate  of  one  wlio  had  not  merely  saved  his  life  on  a  recent 
occasion,  but  liad  evinced  a  devoterhicss — a  love  for  him — in  every  circum- 
stance of  life,  which  .seldom  had  had  their  parallel  in  the  annals  of  human  ser- 
vitude. It  was  in  vain  that  he  endeavored  to  follow  the  example  of  Gerald, 
who,  having  .seated  himself  at  the  breakfast  table,  was  silently  appeasing  an 
appetite  such  as  he  had  not  exhibited  .since  his  return.  Incapable  of  swallow- 
ing his  food,  Henry  paced  up  and  down  the  room,  violently  agitated  and  sick 
at  heart.  It  .seemed  to  him  as  if  Sambo  had  been  a  sort  of  connecting  link 
between  themselves  and  the  departed  parents ;  and  now  that  he  was  suddenly 
snd  fearfully  afllicted,  he  thought  he  could  see  in  the  vista  of  futurity  a  lon^ 
•  lain  of  evils  that  threw  their  shadow.s  before,  and  portended  the  consumma- 
tion of  some  unknown,  unseen  affliction,  having  its  origin  in  the  incompre- 
hensible alienation  of  his  brother's  heart  from  the  things  of  his  early  love. 

V"-;  he  was  yet  indulging  in  these  painful  thoughts,  the  firing  of  a  gun 
irom  the  harbor — the  .signal  for  the  embarkation  of  the  troops — brought  both 
Gerald  and  himself  to  a  sense  of  other  considerations.  The  latter  was  tho 
first  to  quit  the  house.  "  Ilenr}',"  he  said,  with  much  emotion,  "  God  ble.ss 
3'ou.  It  is  possible  that,  as  our  service  li?s  in  different  lines,  we  shall  .see  but 
little  of  each  other  during  this  expedition.  Of  one  thing,  however,  be  as- 
sured— that  although  I  am  an  unhappy  man.  I  am  anything  but  dead  to  feeling 
— Henry,"  he  continued  pressing  his  hand  with  warmth,  "  think  not  un- 
kindly hereall;er  of  your  poor  brother  Gerald."  A  long  embrace,  in  which 
e.ich,  although  in  silence,  seemed  to  blend  heart  with  heart,  ensued,  and  both 
greatly  I'elieved,  as, they  always  were  after  this  generous  expansion  of  their 
feelings,  separated  forthwith  whither  their  respective  duties  summoned  them. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


Seldo-M  has  there  been  witnessed  a  more  romantic  or  picturesque  .sight 
than  that  presented  by  a  warlike  expedition  of  batteaux  moving  across  one 
of  the  American  lakes,  during  a  season  of  profound  calm.  The  uniform  and 
steady  pull  of  the  crew,  directed  in  their  time  by  the  wild  chaunt  of  the  steers- 
man, with  whom  they  ever  and  anon  join  in  full  chorus — the  measured  plash 
of  the  oars  into  the  calm  surf  ice  of  the  water — the  joyous  laugh  and  rude,  but 
witty,  jest  of  the  more  youthful  and  buoyant  of  the  soldiery,  from  whom,  at 
such  moments,  although  in  presence  of  their  officers,  the  trammels  of  restraint 
are  partially  removed — all  the.se,  added  to  the  inspiriting  .sight  of  their  gay 
scarlet  unifoims,  and  the  dancing  of  the  sunbeams  upon  their  polished  arms, 
have  a  tendency  to  call  up  impressions  of  a  wild  interest,  tempered  only  by 
the  recollection  tliat  many  of  those  who  move  gaily  on,  as  if  to  a  festivfd — 
bright  in  hope  as  though  the  season  of  existence  were  to  last  for  ever — may 
never  more  set  eye  upon  the  scenes  they  arc  fast  quitting,  wit    the  joyousness 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


130 


proJnced  by  tho  natural  thirst  of  the  human  heart  for  advcntnic,  and  a  love 
of  change. 

On  the  second  day  of  its  departure  from  Mal(lcn.  the  expedition,  prtreded 
by  the  gun-boats,  entered  the  narrow  riv.T  of  thi!#Ii:i!ni.  and.  tfie  woo  is  on 
either  shore  being  scoured  by  the  Indians, ;;ai nod  without  opposition  the  point 
of  debarkation.  Batteries  having,  under  groat  difTicultics,  been  erected  on  tlio 
right  bank,  immediately  opposite  to  and  about  six  hundred  yards  from  tho 
American  fort,  which,  had  been  recently  and  hurriedly  constructed,  a  heavy 
and  destructive  fire  was,  on  the  morning  of  the  third  day,  opened  from  them, 
supported  by  the  gun-boats,  one  of  which,  commanded  by  Gerald  Grantham, 
Aad  advanced  so  close  to  tho  enemy's  position  as  to  have  diverted  upon  her- 
self the  fire  which  would  else  h.-vve  been  directed  to  the  demolition  of  a  British 
battery,  hastily  thrown  up  on  the  left  bank.  The  daring  manifested  by  tho 
gallant  sailor  was  subject  of  surprise  and  admiration  at  once  to  friemls  and 
foes ;  and  yet,  although  his  boat  lay  moored  within  musket  shot  of  the  do- 
foncos,  he  sustained  but  trifling  loss.  The  very  reckie.sstio.ss  and  boldness  of 
his  advance  had  been  the  means  of  his  preservation  ;  f  )r.  as  almost  all  tho 
shots  from  the  battery  flev  over  him.  it  was  evident  he  owed  his  .safet^'to  tlio 
difficulty  the  Americans  found  in  depressing  their  guns  sulliciently  to  bear 
advantageously  upon  the  boat,  wliich,  if  anchored  fifty  yards  beyond,  they 
might  have  blown  out  of  the  water. 

The  limits  of  our  story  will  not  admit  of  a  further  detail  of  the  operations 
of  this  siege.  The  ojeot  was  foiled,  and  the  expedition  was  re-embarked  and 
directed  against  Fort  Sandusky,  a  post  of  the  Americans  situate  on  the  river 
of  that  name,  and  running  also  into  Lake  Eric. 

Here,  once  more,  was  the  British  artillery  landed,  while,  under  a  heavy  firo 
from  the  fort,  tho  troops  advanced  within  range,  to  take  posses.sion  of  an  emi- 
nence whereon  it  was  intended  to  erect  the  batteries.  Two  days  v/ere  passed 
in  incessant  cannonading,  but,  .as  at  the  .AFiami,  without  making  the  slightest 
impression.  Finding  all  idea  of  a  practicable  breach  hopeless,  it  was  at  length 
resolved  that  an  attempt  at  assault  .should  be  made;  and,  with  this  view,  the 
troops  were,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  second  da^v,  ordered  to  hold  themselves 
in  immediate  readiness. 

In  consequence  of  the  shallowness  of  the  river,  it  had  been  found  necessary 
to  moor  the  i^un-bo.-xts  at  a  point  considerably  below,  and  out  of  .sight  of  tho 
fort.  Gerald  Granthnin  had  obtained  permission  to  leave  his  command,  and 
take  charge  of  one  of  the  batteries,  which,  however,  ho  relinqtiishedon  the  <lay 
of  the  assault,  having  successfully  petitioned  to  be  permitted  to  join  the  attack 
as  a  volunteer.  In  the  dress  of  a  grenadier  soldier,  disabled  during  the  siege, 
lio  now  joined  the  party  of  animated  oflicors.  who,  delighted  at  the  prosjHJct 
jf  being  brought  once  more  in  close  contact  with  their  enemies,  after  so  many 
ivearing  days  of  inaction — were  seated  at  a  rude  but  plentiful  repast  in  C.'xp- 
lain  Cranstoun's  tent,  and  indulging  in  remarks  wliich,  although  often  uttered 
without  aim  or.  ill-nature,  are  as  often  but  too  bitter  subject  of  after  self-re- 
proach to  those  who  have  uttered  them.  Of  those  who  had  originally  set  out 
on  the  expedition,  the  only  olliccr  of  the  Forty-fiist  Regiment  absent  was 
Henry  Grantham,  who,  having  been  slightly  wounded  at  tho  Miami,  had, 
much  against  his  inclination,  boon  ordered  back  to  Amherstburg.  in  charge 
of  the  sick  and  wounded  of  the  dctacliment,  and  this  so  suddenly,  that  he  had 
not  had  an  opportunity  of  taking  leave  of  his  brother. 

''  Ila  !  Gerald,  my  fine  fellow,"  cxclain:.ed  Captain  I\Iolineux,  as  the  youth 
now  joined  their  circle,  "  so  you  have  clapped  on  the  true  harness  at  last.  I 
always  said  that  your  figure  became  a  red  jacket  a  devilish  deal  better  than  a 
blue.  But  what  new  freak  is  this  ?  Had  you  not  a  close  enough  berth  to 
Jonathan  in  the  Miami,  without  running  the  risk  of  a  broken  licad  with  U3 
tfl-dav  in  his  trenched  ?" 

No  suct.  good  luck  is  there  in  store  for  my  juniors.  I  fancy,"  replicil 
Grantham,  swallowing  off  a  goblet  of  wine  which  had  been  presented  to  him 
—"but  if  I  do  fall,  it  will  be  in  good  company.     Although  the  Americau 


tio 


MATILDA     MONTGOMERIE;     OR, 


seems  to  He  qnwtly  within  his  defences,  there  is  that  about  him  which  proniififea 
us  rather  a  hot  reception." 

'•  So  much  the  better,"  said  Villicrn  ;  "  there  will  be  broken  heads  for 
some  of  us.  Who  do  you  think  we  have  booked  for  a  place  to  the  other 
world  ?"  * 

Gerald  made  no  answer,  but  his  look  and  manner  implied  that  he  under- 
stood himself  to  be  the  party  thus  favore<l. 

'•  Not  so,"  returned  Villiers,  "  we  can't  afford  to  spare  you  )'ct — besides,  tha 
death  of  a  blue  jacket  can  in  no  way  l)enefit  us.  What's  the  use  of  •  a  bloody 
\rar  and  a  .uckly  season.'  that  standard  toast  at  every  West  India  mess,  if  tlio 
juniors  are  to  go  olf,  and  not  the  seniors? — Cranstoun's  tho  man  we've 
booked." 

'■  Captain  Cranstonn,  I  have  the  honor  cf  wishinf;  you  a  safe  passage,  and 
'fpocdy  promotion  in  Heaven."  said  Middlcmore,  draining  off  his  glass. 
•  Devilisli  good  port  Tiis  of  yours !  By  the  bye  as  you  have  a  better  port  in 
view,  you  cannot  do  better  than  assign  over  wliat  is  left  of  this  to  ine.'' 

"  Thank  you.  Mr.  Middlen  ore,"  retuir.ea  Cranstonn.  drily  j'ot  good-humor- 
vlly,  "yet  as  }'0u  are  attached  to  uiy  division,  you  will  perhaps  run  just  tho 
same  risk  ;  and  as,  perhaps,  ycu  will  not  require  more  wine  than  we  have 
taken  to-day,  I  will  pledge  you  in  a  last  cup  a  safe  passage  to  Heaven,  where 
I  trust  j'ou  will  find  credit  Tor  better  qualities  than  you  po.s.sess  as  a 
punster." 

"  What,"  asked  Gerald,  with  an  unfeigned  surprise,  when  the  laugh  against 
Middlemore  had  subsided,  "  and  is  it  reall}'  in  liis  own  wine  that  you  have  all 
been  thus  courteously  pledging  Captain  Cranstoun's  death  ?" 

"Even  so,"  said  Middlemore,  rallying  and  returning  to  the  attack,  "  he  in- 
vited us  all  to  lunch  in  his  tent,  and  how  could  we  better  repa}'  him  for  open- 
ing Lis  hampers,  than  by  returning  his  spirit  scot-free  and  unhampered  to 
Heaven  ?" 

'•  Oh.  oh.  oh !"  ejaculated  St.  Clair,  stopping  his  ears  and  throwing  up  hi? 
OA'es ;  "  surely,  Mr.  ^liddlemore,  if  you  are  not  shot  this  day,  it  nuist  be  that 
you  were  born  to  be  hanged — no  man  can  perpetrate  so  horrible  a  pun,  and 
expect  to  live." 

'•I'm  hanged  if  I  am,  then,"'  returned  the  other:  ''but,  talking  of  bein'^ 
shot — is  there  a.jatkei"  shot  in  the  locker,  Cranstodxi — another  bottle  cf 
port  ?" 

"  The  shot  that  is  reserved  for  you.  will  bring  y^u  acquainted  with  another 
locker  than  Cranstoun's,  I  suspect,"  said  Villiers,  "  one  Mr.  David  Jones's 
locker— hit  there,  eh  ?" 

The  low  roll  of  a  muffled  drum  suddenly  recalled  the  party  from  their  tri- 
fling to  considerations  of  a  graver  interest.  It  was  the  signal  for  forming  tho 
columns  of  attack.  In  a  moment  the  tone,  the  air  of  ribaldry,  was  exchanged 
for  a  seriousness  that  befitted  the  occasion — and  it  seemed  as  if  a  momentary 
reproach  passed  over  the  minds  of  those  who  had  most  amused  themselves  at 
the  expen,se  of  Cranstonn,  for  each,  as  he  quitted  the  tent,  gave  his  extended 
hand  to  his  host,  who  pressed  it  in  a  manner  to  show  all  was  forgiven. 

The  English  batteries  had  been  constructed  on  the  skirt  of  the  wood  sur- 
rounding the  fort,  from  which  latter  they  were  separated  by  a  meadow  covered 
with  long  grass,  about  six  hundred  yards  across  at  the  narrowest  point. 
Behind  these  the  columns  of  attack,  three  in  number,  were  now  rapidly  and 
silently  formed.  To  that  commanded  by  Captain  Cranstonn,  on  the  extreme 
left,  and  intended  to  assault  the  fort  at  the  strongest  point,  Gerald  Grautbara 
had  attached  himself,  in  the  simple  di'css,  as  we  have  observed,  of  a  private 
Boldier,  and  armed  with  a  common  musket.  In  passing,  with  the  former  offi- 
cer, to  take  his  position  in  front  of  the  columr.,  he  was  struck  by  the  utter  want 
of  means  for  executing  with  success  the  duty  assigned  to  the  several  divisions. 
Each  column  was  provided  with  a  certain  )iuinbcr  of  axemen,  selected  to  act 
jis  pioneers  ;  but  not  one  of  the  necessary  iniflemonts  was  in  a  condition  to 
be  used ;  neither  had  a  single  fascine  or  ladder  bt^n  provided,  although  it  wai 


tHB     PROPHECY     FULFIL LED. 


141 


well  knftsrn  that  a  deep  ditch  remained  to  be  passed  before  tho  axes,  incfRoient 
u  ther  were,  could  be  brouj^ht  into  use. 

"  Such."  s.iid  Captiiin  Cranstoiin,  with  a  sneer  of  mucl»  bitterness,  "arc  tlie 
pitiful  thinj^s  on  which  bani:;  ilie  lives  of  our  brave  fellows.  No  doubt  tho 
despatches  will  say  a  great  deal  abotit  the  excoUent  arrangements  for  attack — 
but  if  you  do  not  fill,  Gerald,  I  hope  you  will  make  a  projwr  representation 
of  tho  affair.  As  you  belong  to  the  other  service,  there  is  little  fear  the  GtMie- 
ral  can  hurt  your  promotion  for  merely  sj)eaking  the  truth.  A  General, 
indeed  ! — who'll  say  Fortune  is  not  blind  to  make  a  Geueral  of  such  as  ho  ?" 

It  was  not  an  usual  thing  for  Cranstomi  to  express  himself  thus  in  regard 
to  his  superiors  ;  but  he  was  really  vexed  at  the  idea  of  tho  sacrifice  of  human 
life  that  must  attend  this  wantonness  of  neglect  and  imbecility  of  arrange- 
ment. He  had  morover  taken  wine  enough,  not  in  any  way  to  intoxicate,  but 
sufficient  twi  thaw  his  habituai  caution  and  reserve.  Fearless  as  his  sword,  ho 
cared  not  for  his  own  life ;  but.  althongh  a  strict  officer,  he  was  ever  attentive 
to  tho  interests  of  his  men.  who  in  their  turn,  admired  him  for  his  cool,  un- 
flinching courage,  and  would  have  dared  aa3'thing  under  the  direction  of  their 
captain. 

It  was  evident  that  tho  contempt  of  the  sailor  for  the  capacity  of  the  leader, 
to  whom  it  was  well  known  all  the  minute  arrangements  were  submitted,  was 
not  one  whit  inferior  to  what  was  entertained  by  the  brave  and  honest  Crans- 
toun.  lie,  however,  merely  answered,  as  they  both  assumed  their  places  in 
front,  and  with  the  air  of  one  utterly  indifferent  to  these  disadvantages, 

'•  No  matter,  Cranstoun,  the  greater  the  obstacles  we  have  to  contend  against, 
the  more  glorious  will  l)o  our  victory.  Where  ;  "»u  lead,  however,  we  shall 
not  b!>  long  in  following." 

"  Hem  !  since  it  is  to  be  a  game  of  follow-my-leaacr,"  said  Middlemore.  who 
had  now  joined  them,  "I  must  not  be  far  behind.  A  month's  pay  with  either 
of  you  I  reach  the  stockade  first." 

'•  Done,  Middlemore,  done,"  eagerly  replied  Cranstoun,  and  they  joined 
hands  in  confirmation  of  the  bet. 

This  conversation  had  taken  place  during  the  interval  occtipied  by  tho 
movements  of  the  right  and  centre  columns  along  the  skirt  of  the  wood,  to 
equidistant  points  in  the  half  circle  embraced  in  the  plan  of  attack.  A  single 
olast  of  tho  bugle  now  announced  that  the  furthermost  had  reached  its  place 
of  destination,  when  suddenly  a  gun — the  first  fired  since  noon  from  the  Eug- 
.ish  batteries — gave  the  signal  for  which  all  were  now  [)repare(l. 

In  the  next  minute  the  heads  of  the  several  columns  debouched  from  tho 
woods,  and,  the  whole  advancing  in  double  quick  time,  with  their  arms  at  tho 
trail,  moved  across  tho  meadow  in  the  several  directions  assigned  them.  Tho 
space  to  be  traversed  by  Captain  Cranstoun's  division  was  consideraT)ly  tho 
shortest  of  the  three  ;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  he  was  opposed  to  that  jiart  of 
the  enemy's  defences  where  there  waa  the  least  cover  allorded  to  an  assailing 
force. 

Meanwhile  there  was  an  utter  repose  in  the  fort,  which  for  some  moments 
induced  the  belief  that  ttio  Ameririns  were  preparing  to  surrender  their  trust 
without  a  struggle,  and  loud  yell.i  from  the  Indians,  who,  from  their  cover  in 
the  rear,  watched  the  progress  of  the  troops  with  admiration  and  sur[irise, 
were  pealed  forth  as  if  in  encouragement  to  the  latter  to  prsceed,  lint  tho 
American  Commander  had  planned  his  defence  with  skill.  No  sooner  had  the 
several  columns  got  within  half  musket  shot,  than  a  tiemondous  fire  of  mus- 
ketry and  rifles  was  opened  upon  them  from  two  distinct  faces  of  tho  stockade. 
Captain  Cranstoun's  division,  being  the  nearest,  was  the  first  atta(;kcd,  and 
suffered  considerably  without  attempting  to  return  a  shot.  At  the  first  d^^ 
charge,  the  two  leading  sergeants,  and  many  of  the  men,  were  knocked  do  Wii ; 
but  neither  Cranstoun.  nor  Middlemore.  nor  Grantham,  were  touched. 

"  Forward  men,  forward  "  shouted  the  former,  bramlishing  his  sword,  a.'j<l 
dashing  down  a  deep  ravine,  that  separated  them  from  the  tren'^.he^s." 

"  On,  my  gallant  fellows,  on  ! — tho  left  column  for  cvc  !"  cried  Middloai(n'.», 


14.2 


MATILDA     MONTQOHERIE;    OR, 


fmitfitinn;  th<?  example  of  his  cantain,  nnd,  in  liis  eagerness  to  reach  the  dit(,h 
lirst,  Icavine;  his  men  to  follow  ns  they  could. 

Fov  of  thoKo,  however,  needed  the  injunction.  Althotij;h  palled  by  the  so- 
Vore  lire  of  tJio  enemy,  thcj'  followed  their  leaders  down  the  ravine  with  a 
steiidiness  worthy  of  a  better  result  ;  then  climbing  up  the  opposite  ascent, 
under  a  .shouer  of  bullets,  yet,  without  pulling  a  trigger  themselves,  made  for 
thc!  ditch  their  ollicer  had  already  gained. 

Cnujstoun,  still  continuing  in  advance,  was  the  first  who  arrived  on  tho 
brink.  For  a  moment  he  paused,  us  if  uncertain  what  course  to  pursue,  then, 
seeing  Middlemoro  close  behind  him,  he  leaped  in,  and  striking  a  blow  of  his 
Kabre  upon  the  8ttK;ka<lc,  called  loudly  upon  the  axemen  to  follow.  While  he 
was  yet  shouting,  a  ball  from  a  loop-hole  not  three  feet  above  his  head,  entered 
his  brain,  and  he  fell  dead  across  the  trench. 

'•  Ila  I  well  have  you  won  your  wager,  my  noble  Captain,"  exclaimed  Midc'lc- 
more.  putting  his  hand  to  his  chest,  and  staggering  from  the  effects  of  a  shot 
he  had  that  instant  receiveiJ.  "  You  arc  indeed  the  better  man"  (hocontinucd, 
excited  beyond  his  usual  culm  by  thc  circumstances  in  which  he  found  him- 
self placed,  yet  imablo  to  resist  his  dominating  propensity,  oven  at  such  a 
moment.)  •'  and  d(!serve  the  palm  of  honor  this  day.  Forward,  men.  forward  ! 
axemen,  do  yoin"  dutv.— Down  with  the  stockade,  my  lads,  and  give  them  a 
bellyful  of  steel." 

Scarcely  had  he  spoken,  when  a  second  discharge  from  the  same  wall-piece 
that  had  killed  Cranstoun  passed  through  his  throat.  "  Forward  !"  he  again 
but  more  faintly  shouted,  with  the  gurgling  tone  of  suffocation  peculiar  to  a 
wound  in  that  region,  then  falling  headlong  into  the  ditch,  was  in  the  next  in- 
stant trodden  under  by  the  a'ivanceof  the  column  who  rushed  forward,  though 
fimitlcssl}',  to  avenge  the  deaths  of  their  officers. 

All  was  now  confusion,  noi.se  and  carnage.  Obcj-ing  tho  command  of  their 
leader,  the  axemen  had  sprung  into  the  ditch,  and,  with  efforts  nerved  by  des- 
peration, applied  themselves  vigorously  to  the  task  alloted  them.  But  as  well 
might  thoy  have  attempted  to  raze  thc  foundations  of  thc  e;lobo  itself.  Inca- 
pable from  their  bluntucss  of  making  the  slightest  impression  on  theobstinato 
wood,  the  iron  at  each  stroke  lebounded  o.'i",  leaving  to  the  eye  no  vestige  of 
where  it  had  rested.  Filled  with  disappointment  and  rage,  the  brave  and 
unfortunate  fellows  da.shed  the  useless  metal  to  the  earth,  and  endeavored  to 
escape  from  thc  ditch  buck  into  the  i-avine,  where,  at  least,  there  was  a  pros- 
pect of  supplying  themselves  with  more  ser'iceable  weapons  from  among  their 
slain  comrades  ;  but  the  ditch  was  deep  and  slimy,  and  tho  difliculty  of  ascent 
great.  Before  they  could  accomplish  it,  tlie  Americans  opened  a  fire  from  a 
bastion,  the  guns  of  which,  loaded  with  slugs  and  musket  balls,  raked  the 
trench  from  end  to  end,  and  swept  away  all  that  came  within  its  range.  This 
was  thc  first  check  given  to  the  division  of  tho  unfortunate  Cranstoun.  Many 
of  the  leading  sections  had  leaped,  reganiless  of  all  obstacles,  into  thc  trench, 
with  a  viewof  arenguig  their  slaughtered  officers  ;  but  these,  like  the  axemen, 
had  been  carried  away  by  the  discharges  from  the  bastion,  and  the  incessant 
fire  poured  upon  them  from  the  loop-holes  of  the  stocka<lc.  Despairing  of  suc- 
cess, without  fascines  to  fill  n[)  the  ditch,  or  a  ladder  to  scale  the  picketing 
that  afforded  cover  to  their  enemies,  there  was  no  alternative,  but  to  remain 
and  be  cut  down  to  a  man  where  they  stood,  or  to  retire  into  the  bru.shwood 
that  lined  the  ravine.  The  latter  was  finally  adopted  ;  but  not  before  one- 
third  of  the  column  had  paid  the  penalty  of  their  own  daring,  and  what  the 
brave  Cianstoun  had  snecringly  termed  thc  "  General's  excellent  arrange- 
ments?." with  their  lives,  Thc  firing  at  this  time  had  now  almost  wholh' 
r*L^5ed  b(>Lv/eeu  the  cncmj-and  the  columns  on  the  right  and  centre,  neither  of 
•♦viiioh  bal  penetrated  beyond  the  ravine,  and  at  a  late  hour  in  the  evening 
the  whole  were  drawn  off. 

McttHwhiio,  steady  at  his  post  at  tho  head  of  thc  division,  Gerald  Grantham 
ha'.'  continued  to  act  with  thc  men  as  though  he  had  been  one  of  themselves, 
l/uiiiig  the  whole  course  of  thc  advance,  he  nei the- joined  in  tho  cheejs  of  tho 


THE     PROPIIKCY     FULFIL  LKD. 


143 


ofScers,  nor  uttered  worl  of  cnouracromcnt  to  those  who  followoil.  But  iri 
hi'i  inamiT  there  was  rciii.irk"(l  a  qtjietiii'ss()rdi!tcriniiii»lion,a  siilh'n  rlisre^ravd 
of  'liui'.'cp,  tliat  sccinwl  to  donote  some  decjiiT  rooted  purpose  than  the.  niero 
desire  of  pr-r-^oiial  distinction.  His  aniV/ition  seemed  to  consist,  not  in  hiin<» 
the  first  to  reacli  or  scale  the  fort,  hut  in  placin;;  himself  wherever  the  balls  of 
tlie  enetii}' llew  thickest.  'J'licre  was  no  enthusiasm  '\;\  his  mien,  no  excite- 
incnt  in  his  eye  ;  neither  had  his  step  the  huoyancy  that  marks  the  youn;» 
heart  wedded  to  valorous  achievement,  hut  was,  on  tlie  contrary,  heavy,  mea- 
8ured,  yet  firm.  His  wholo  manner  and  actions,  in  short,  as  reported  to  his 
brother,  on  the  return  of  the  expedition,  hy  those  who  had  been  near  him 
throuj^hout  the  atT'air,  was  that  of  a  man  who  courts  not  victory  hut  death. 
Planted  on  tliC  brow  of  the  ditch  at  the  moment  when  Middlemore  fell,  he  had 
(lelil»crately  disehar;:;ed  his  pistol  into  the  loop-hole  whence  the  shot  had  b^'en 
fired ;  btit  although,  as  ho  seemed  to  expect,  the  next  instant  brought  .several 
barrels  to  play  upon  himself,  not  one  of  these  had  taken  effect.  A  moment, 
after  ami  ho  was  in  the  ditch,  follo\Ved  by  some  twenty  or  thirty  of  the  leading 
men  of  the  column,  and  advancing  towards  the  bastion,  then  preparing  to  vo- 
mit forth  its  fire  upon  the  devoted  axemen.  Even  here.  Fate,  or  Destiny,  or 
whatever  power  it  be  that  wills  the  nature  of  the  end  of  man,  turned  aside  tho 
death  with  which  ho  already  seemed  to  grapple.  At  tho  very  moment  when 
the  flash  rose  from  tlie  liavoc-dealing  gun,  lie  chanced  to  stumble  over  tho 
dead  body  of  a  soldier,  and  fell  flat  upon  his  face.  Scarcely  had  he  touched 
the  ground  wiicn  he  was  again  upon  his  fjet;  but  even  in  that  short  space  of 
time,  he  alone,  of  those  who  had  entered  the  ditch,  had  been  left  unscathed. 
IJefore  him  came  bellying  along  the  damp  trench,  tho  dense  smoke  from  tho 
fatal  bastion,  as  it  were  a  funeral  .shroud  for  its  victims  ;  and  behind  him  were 
to  bo  seen  the  mangled  and  distorted  forms  of  his  companions,  some  dead, 
others  writhing  with  acute  agony,  and  filling  the  air  with  .shrieks,  and  groan.s, 
nnd  pnaycrs  for  water  to  soothe  their  buining  lips,  that  mingled  fearfully  yet 
characteristically,  with  the  unsubdued  rrmr  of  small  arms. 

It  was  now,  for  the  first  time,  that  Gerald  evinced  anything  like  excite- 
ment, but  it  was  the  excitement  of  bitter  disappointment.  He  saw  those  to 
whom  the  presentation  of  life  would  have  been  a  blessing,  cut  down  and 
slaughtered  ;  while  ho,  whoso  object  it  was  to  lay  it  down  for  ever,  was,  by 
some  strange  fatality,  wholly  exempt. 

The  reflections  that  passed  with  lightning  quickness  tlirough  his  mind,  only 
nerved  to  stimulate  his  determination  the  more.  Scarcely  had  the  smoko 
which  had  hitherto  kept  him  concealed  from  tho  battery,  passed  beyond  him, 
when,  rusljing  forward  and  shouting,  "To  the  bastion,  men — to  the  bastion  !'' 
he  planted  himself  in  front  of  the  gun,  and  not  three  j'ards  from  its  muzzle. 
Prevented  by  the  dense  smoke  that  choked  up  the  trench,  from  a.sccrtaining 
the  extent  of  execution  produced  by  their  dLsohargO;  the  American  artillery- 
men, who  had  again  loaded,  wore  once  more  on  the  alert  and  preparing  to 
repeat  it.  Already  was  the  match  in  the  act  of  descending,  which  would  have 
blown  tho  unfortunate  Gerald  to  atoms,  when  suddenly  an  oflicer,  who.se  uni- 
form l)cspoke  him  to  be  of  some  rank,  and  to  whor,e  quick  eye  it  was  apparent 
the  rash  assaihuit  was  utterly  unsupr  .  1,  sprang  upoii  the  bastion,  and, 
da.shing  the  fuze  from  the  hand  of  the  ;^  '  r,  commanded  that  a  small  sally- 
port, which  opened  into  the  trench  a  few  yard.s  beyond  the  point  where  ho 
stood,  should  be  opened,  and  the  brave  .soldier  taken  prisoner  without  harm. 
So  prompt  was  tho  execution  of  this  order,  that,*beforo  Gerald  could  succeed 
in  clambering  up  the  ditch,  which,  with  the  instinctive  dread  of  captivity,  ho 
tttempted,  he  was  seized  by  half  a  dozen  soldiers,  and  by  thcKO  borne  'juiricdly 
back  through  the  sally-port,  which  was  again  closed. 


'4 


144 


MATILDA     MOMTOOMERIR;    ORt 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

DurnATKn  at  every  point  (ind  with  Rrent  lovs,  tho  British  rohunns  liad  re 
tired  into  the  hci\  of  the  ravine,  wliore.  shielih"!  from  the  fire  of  the  AtiirMi 
ciin**.  the\  lay  several  lioiirs  shivctin'^  with  eold  and  ankle  deep  in  mud  nu4 
water;  yet  consol  in;:;  themselves  with  the  hoji;;  tliat  tlie  renewal  of  tljc  assault 
under  cover  of  tho  cominp  darkness,  would  he  attended  with  a  happier  iK«uo 
J{ut  tho  pallant  fjeneral,  who  appeared  in  the  outset  to  have  intended  they 
should  make  picks  of  their  l)ayonets  and  scalin"-laddcrs  of  each  other's  hodie.s. 
now  that  a  mound  suflicient  for  the  latter  pur,  uld  he  raised  of  the  slain, 

had  alt'.'red  his  miu<l,  r.nd  alnnned,  and  ma  ,.  conscieuco  stricken  at  thu 
profuse  and  unnecessary  sacrifice  of  human  life  which  had  resulted  from  i\\9 
first  wanton  attack,  adopteil  iho  resolution  of  withdrawing  his  tioops.  This 
was  at  leuL'th  finally  edected,  and  wtliout  further  loss. 

Fully  impressed  with  the  helief  that  the  assailants  would  not  he  permitted  to 
fores;!)  the  advantages  they  still  j)osscs.sed  in  their  near  conti<;uity  to  tho 
works,  without  another  attempt  at  escalade.,  tho  Americans  hud  continued 
calmly  at  their  posts  ;  with  what  confidiMico  in  the  nature  of  their  defences, 
and  what  positive  freedom  from  danjrer,  inay  he  inferred  from  the  fact  of  their 
havimi;  lost  hut  one  man  throughout  the  whole  allair,  and  that  one  killed  im- 
mediately through  the  loop-hole  by  the  shot  that  avenged  the  dc:ith  of  poor 
Middli';nore.  When  at  a  lute  hour  they  found  that  the  columns  were  jifrani 
in  movement,  they  could  scarcely  persuade  themselves  the}'  wore  not  cluinging 
their  points  of  attack.  A  very  few  minutes,  however,  sufficed  to  show  their 
error;  for.  in  tho  indistinct  light  of  a  new  moon,  tho  IJritish  troops  were  to 
be  seen  ascending  the  opposite  face  of  the  ravine  and  in  full  retreat.  Too  well 
satisfied  witli  the  successful  nature  of  their  dc  "co,  the  Americans  made  uo 
attempt  to  follow,  hut  contented  themselves  v  ouring  in  a  parting  volley, 

which  however  the  obscurity  rendered  ineffect  'oon  afterwards  the  sally- 

port was  again  opened,  and  such  of  the  imfortuuates  as  yet  lingered  alive  in 
thiO  trenches  were  brought  in,  and  tivcry  attention  the  place  could  afl'ord  paid 
to  their  necessities. 

An  advanced  hour  of  tho  night  brought  most  of  the  Atncrican  officers  to- 
pt^ther  in  their  rud(!  mess-room,  where  the  occurrences  of  tho  da}'  were  dis- 
cussed with  an  enthusiasm  of  satisfaction  natural  to  the  occasion.  Kach  con- 
gratulated each  on  the  imexpected  success,  but  commendation  was  more  thv.n 
usually  loud  in  fuvor  of  their  leader,  to  whose  coolness  and  judgmei\t,  in  rc- 
Bcrving  his  fire  until  the  approach  of  the  enemy  within  pistol  .shot,  was  to  be 
attributed  the  severe  loss  and  consequent  check  they  had  sustained. 

Next  became  the  topic  of  eulugium  the  gallantry  of  those  who  had  been 
worsted  in  all  but  their  honor,  and  all  spoke  with  admiratic-ii  of  the  devoted- 
ncss  of  the  two  unfortumitc  oflicers  who  had  perished  in  the  trenches — a  sub- 
ject wliirh.  in  turn,  led  to  a  recollection  of  the  brave  .soldier  who  had  survived 
the  sweeping  discharge  from  the  bastion,  and  who  had  been  .so  opportunely 
saved  from  destruction  by  tho  Connnandant  himself. 

'*  Captain  .Jackson,"  said  that  officer,  addressing  one  of  the  few  who  woro 
tho  regular  uniform  of  the  United  States  arrr}',  "I  should  like  much  to  con- 
verso  with  this  man,  in  wljom  I  confess,  as  in  some  degree  the  preserver  of  his 
life,  I  feel  an  interest.  Moreover,  as  the  only  uninjured  among  our  prisoners, 
he  is  the  one  most  calculated  to  give  ns  information  in  regard  to  the  actual 
force  of  those  whom  we  have  this  day  had  the  good  forttine  to  defeat,  as  well 
as  of  the  ultimate  destination  of  the  British  General.  Notes  of  both  the.se 
important  particulars,  iff  can  possihh-  obtain  them,  I  wish  to  make  in  u  de- 
spatch of  whicli  I  intend  you  to  be  the  bearer." 

The  Aid-de-camp,  for  in  that  capacity  was  he  attached  to  tlie  person  of 
Colonel  Forrester,  immediately  quitted  the  rooni;  and  prcHcntly  aftorwarck 
returned  ushering  in  the  prisoner. 


THE     PRvOPHKCV     FUL  Fin.  RO. 


115 


AUhouRh  QcroVJ  was  drossod.  om  wo  havo  s^id,  in  Uie  uniform  of  the  pH« 
*att'  Kreindicr.  there  was  llmt  iihoiit  him  whioli.  in  doilancu  .>f  p.  person  ro?» 
•rod  fromlicad  to  foot  with  the  slimy  mui  of  thi- fr;<nchos  and  u  moiitii  .,!v;l- 
as  ink  wiUi  powder  from  the  ctvrlridj^os  he  ha(^  l.ittun.  Lt  once  hrlraycd  him 
for  sotnisthin;^  more  than  ho  appoareil. 

Th«ro  WHS  a  pansf  for  somo  monvnits  aftnr  lio  rntorod  At  length  Colonw 
Forrester  iiKiuircd,  in  a  v,oicu  Mtroni;ly  niurkwl  hy  surprise  ; 

"Mav  I  ask.  sir,  what  rank  \nn  hold  in  the  British  army  ?" 

"  Hut  that  I  liavo  unfortnnati-Iy  snlfere  I  mnro  from  your  mnd  than  your 
fire."  replied  Gi-rald,  co(»lly,  and  with  unJisj^uisod  bitttrneKS  of  m.vnner,  ''th« 
question  woidd  at  onc-o  bo  answered  by  a  rcferoncc  to  my  uniform." 

••  I  umlerstand  you,  sir ;  you  would  have  mo  to  infer  you  are  vrU«t  J9V 
dress,  and  your  dress  alone,  deuotcs—a  private?  soldier  ?" 

(J 'raid  made  no  answer. 

'•  Your  imme,  soldier  ?"  .    ' 

"  My  name  !" 

"  Yes;  your  name.  One  po.'sse.ssod  of  the  gallantry  wo  witnos««cd  tlrs  d%j 
cannot  b'.;  alto.^ether  without  a  name." 

The  jtale  cheek  of  (lerald  was  sliirhtly  tinged.  With  nil  hi'i  p-ief.  ho  still 
was  ni:in.  The  iu'lireet  i)raise  lingered  a  moment  at  his  heart,  th^i*  passed 
oir  with  tlie  sliu'ht  blush  tliat  as  momentarily  dyed  his  cheek. 

"  My  n.imo.  sir,  is  a  liunible  <mo,  and  little  worthy  to  ho  cUissod  with  thopo 
who  have  this  day  written  theirs  in  the  page  of  hono»'  with  their  heart's  bloo"!. 
I  am  called  Gerald  Granthaln." 

•'Gerald  Grantham!"  repeated  the  Commandant,  musini^ly,  aa  though  e;i- 
deavoriuir  to  brin;;;  back  the  i-ecollection  of  .such  a  name.  i 

The  prisoner  lo;)ked  at  1    u  steadfastly  in  return,  yet  without  speaking.     " 

"  Is  there  another  of  your  name  in  the  British  .squadron?"  continued  Oolo- 
»el  F'orrestcr.  lixin;;  his  eye  full  upon  his  prisoner. 

'•  Tii'-re  are  many  in  the  British  squadron  whoso  names  aro  un';nown  to 
me,"  replied  Gerald,  evasively,  and  faintly  coloring:;. 

'•  N'ay,"  said  Colonel  Forre.ster,  "  that  subterfujjfu  more  than  anythinj»  bc- 
tra^'s  yv  \.  Tliou':;l»  n'>t  aus'vered,  I  am  satisfied.  How  we  are  to  iwxount 
for  secin;  a  jrallaut  sailor  attackintij  us  in  our  trenches,  in  tlvo  humble  jjfarb  of 
a  private  soldier,  and  so  out  of  his  own  element,  I  cuuiot  understand  ;  but 
the  nxMXi  of  Gerald  Grantliam,  coupled  with  your  luauner  and  appearanoo, 
assuve-s  us  we  are  in  ikin.;  personal  acquaintance  with  one  to  whose  deeds  wo 
are  not  striin>;ers.  Genllemjn,"  addressing  dis  ofRjcrr,,  '•  this  is  the  laeuten- 
nnt  Grantliun,  whi>se  vessel  was  captured  last  autumn  at  IJudalo,  and  of 
whose  ;j;a'laut  <lefonce  my  cousin,  Captain  Edwin  Forrester,  has  spoken  so 
liii;lily.  liieutenant  Grantham."  he  pursued,  advancini;;  and  ofTorin;^  his  hand, 
"  when  I  ha  I  the  happiness  to  save  your  lilo  this  day,  by  dashin;^  aside  tho 
fuze  that  wouM  have  been  the  a<»ent  in  your  destruction,  I  saw  in  yon  but 
the  brave  and  humble  .soldier,  whom  it  were  disgrace  not  to  have  spared  for 
so  mue'i  noble  darin,:.;.  Judge  how  great  iimst  be  my  satisfaction  to  know 
that  I  have  been  the  means  of  preservin,^,  to  his  family  and  country,  on* 
whose  niinj  stands  so  hij^h  even  in  the  coiisidemtion  of  his  enemies. 

Poor  (Jerald  !  how  bitter  and  conflictini;  must  have  been  his  feelings  at 
that  mom  'lit.  On  the  one  .side,  touched  by  the  highest  evidences  of  esteem  a 
brave  and  generous  enemy  could  proffer — on  the  other,  annoyed  beyond  ex- 
pression at  the  recollection  of  an  interposition  which  had  thwarted  him  in  Ids 
fcndest,  deurcst  hope — that  of  losing,  at  the  cannon's  mouth,  the  life  ho 
loathed.  What  had  been  done  in  mercy  and  noble  forbearance,  was  to  him 
the  direst  punishiuent.  that  could  be  inflicted  ;  yet  how  was  it  pos.sible  to  deny 
gratitude  for  the  motive  which  had  impelled  his  preservation,  or  fail  in  ac- 
knowledgment of  the  appreciation  in  which  ho  thus  found  himself  personally 
held, 

"  It  would  bo  idle.  Colonel  Forrester,"  he  said,  taking  the  prolTered  hand, 
"  after  the  manner  in  which  you  have  expressed  yourself,  to  deny  ihgX  I  an 

10 


110 


MaTILOA    MOfrTOOMERIB  :     OR, 


the  oHUc^r  to  whom  you  allude.  I  feel  deeply  these  marks  of  your  rcgarfl, 
Nihouj^h  1  cannot  but  consider  any  little  ment  tiut  may  attach  to  me  very 
l''.iich  overrated  by  them.  My  appearance  in  this  drexs,  perhaps  requires  sonve 
fsiplanation.  Prevented  by  the  sballowneRJ  of  the  river  from  co-operatiD!? 
vilh  the  army  in  my  gun-boat,  and  tired  of  doing  nothing,  I  had  solicited  aivi 
obtained  pennission  t  j  booome  one  of  the  storming  party  in  the  quality  of 
volunte??,  which  of  necessity  induced  the  garb  in  which  you  now  b«hold  me. 
Von  know  the  rest." 

''  And  yet,  Colonel,"  said  a  surly-lookir'.g  back woo<Isman,  vs^ho  aat  with  one 
hand  thrust  into  the  bosom  of  a  hunting  frock,  and  the  other  p?aying  with  the 
richly  ornamented  hilt  of  a  dagger,  while  a  round  hat,  surmounted  by  a  liuge 
cockade,  was  perched  knowingly  over  his  left  car,  covering,  or  rather  sha''o\v- 
hig,  little  more  than  one  fourtfa  of  his  head — '•  I  reckon  as  how  this  here  sort 
of  thing  comes  within  the  spy  act.  Here's  a  cor-iroissioned  oflicer  of  Kiog 
Geoige,  taken  not  only  in  our  lines,  but  in  our  very  trenches  in  the  disguise 
of  a  private  soger.  Whnt  .^ay  yon,  Captain  Buckhorn  ?"  turning  to  one  s(,.,no 
■what  younger  and  less  uncouth,  who  sat  next  5\im  habitcti  in  a  sit*iiiar  maw 
ner.     "  Don't  you  think  it  comes  within  tlie  spv  act  ^"' 

Captain  Buckhorn.  however,  not  choosing  t^  hazard  an  opinion  on  the  sno- 
ject,  me'-ely  shrugged  his  shoulders,  pulTsfd  his  cigar,  and  looked  at  tlie  Colonel 
as  if  ho  expected  him  to  decide  the  question. 

"As  I  am  a  true  Tennessee  man,  bred  and  born.  Major  Killdeer,"  said  tha 
Aid-de-camp  Jackson,  "I  can't  see  how  that  can  lie.  'To  come  within  the 
.spy  u;t,  a  man  must  be  in  plain  clothes,  or  in  the  fniform  of  hi.s  enemy.  Now, 
Liftenant  Grantham,  I  take  it,  comes  in  the  British  uniform,  and  what  signifies 
a  whistle  if  he  wears  gold  lace  or  cotton  tape,  provided  it  be  stuck  upon  a 
scarlet  coat,  and  that  in  the  broad  face  of  day,  with  arins  in  his  hand. — aye, 
fjid  a  dcvil  oi'  a  desperation  to  make  good  use  of  them  too" — he  added,  with 
a  good  uaturedly  Lulicious  leer  of  the  eye  towards  the  subject  of  his  de- 
?!'nce. 

*'  At  all  events,  in  my  conceit,  it's  an  attempt  to  undervally  himself,"  pur- 
sued the  tenacious  Kentuckian  Major.  "  Supjwse  his  name  warn't  known  aa 
it  is,  he'd  r.nvc  passed  for  a  private  soger,  and  wotild  have  been  exchanged  for 
one,  without  our  being  anj-  the  wiser  ;  whereby  the  United  States,  service,  I 
calcul.ite,  would  have  lost  a;-;  (tHicer  in  the  balance  of  account." 

"  Although  there  cannoi  be  the  slightest  difhculty,"  observed  Colonel  For- 
Tester,  '•  in  determining  on  the  doubt  first  started  by  you.  Major  Kildeer,  I 
~)nf)ss,  that  what  vou  have  now  suggest/v;;  "involves  a  question  of  some  deii- 
cacy.  in  the  spirit,  although  not  altogether  m  the  letter,  of  your  suggestion, 
I  agree  ;  so  much  so,  Mr.  Grantham,"  he  added,  turning  to  Gerald,  '•  that  in 
violence  to  the  inclination  I  should  othcrwi.se  have  felt  to  send  you  back  to 
your  lines,  on  parole  of  honor,  T  shall  be  compelled  to  detain  you  until  tho 
pleasure  of  my  government  be  known  as  to  the  actual  rank  in  which  you  aro 
to  be  looked  upon.  I  should  say  that,  taken  in  arms  as  a  combatant  without 
rank,  we  have  no  right  to  know  j^ou  as  anything  else ;  but  as  I  may  be  in 
error,  1  am  suie  you  will  see  how  utterly  impossible  it  is  for  me  to  take  any 
such  responsibility  upon  myself,  especially  after  the  difficulty  you  have  juit 
heard  started." 

Gerald,  who  had  listened  to  this  di.scussion  with  some  astonishment,  was 
not  .sorry  to  find  the  manner  nf  its  termination.  In  the  out.set  he  had  not 
hcin  without  alarm  that  the  aero  of  one  hour  might  be  looked  upon  and 
hanged  as  the  spy  of  the  next ;  and  tired  as  he  was  of  life,  much  as  he  longed 
to  lay  it  down,  his  neck  had  too  invincible  a  repugnance  to  anything  like  con- 
tact with  a  cord  to  render  him  ambitious  of  closing  hia  existoiice  in  that  way. 
]le  was  not  at  all  sorry,  therefore,  when  he  found  the  surly-looking  Major 
Killdeer  wholly  unsup|>fM'tcd  in  his  sweeping  estimate  of  what  he  called  the 
*'8py  act."  The  genlkrnanly  manner  of  Colonel  Forrft«t?r,  forming  as  it  did 
%£  decided  a  contrast  with  the  unpolished — even  rude  f"aiilvness  of  his  second 
La  command  wga  not  with^^ut  soothing  influence  vpi.^i  his  mind,  and  to  hL« 


THE     PROPHECY     (ULFILLBO. 


14/ 


p-our  regarfl, 
to  me  very 
equires  some 
co-operatiD!? 
solicited  aiwl 
e  quality  of 
e  bfthold  me, 

aat  with  one 
'^inj^with  tfie 
k1  by  a  liuge 
her  sha''o\v- 
his  here  sort 
icer  of  Kioj; 
the  disfuise 
to  one  s(,.,no  • 
similar  inaw  ■ 

I  on  the  sno- 
t  tlic  Colonel 

er,"  s!>id  the 
:  within  the 
3ray.  Now, 
ehat  signifies 
tuck  upon  a 
hand. — aye, 
added,  witb 
It  of  his  de- 

raself,"  pcr- 
I't  knou'n  aa 
xchanged  for 
:cs,  service,  I 

Colonel  For- 
3r  Kildocr,  I 
Ljf  some  deii- 
r  suggestion, 
bid,  '•  that  in 
you  back  to 
on  until  the 
hich  you  aro 
.(ant  without 
I  may  be  ja 
to  take  any 
ou  have  ju.it 

ishraent,  was 
;  lie  had  not 
m1  upon  and 
as  he  longed 
ing  like  con- 
in  that  way. 
oking  Major 
le  called  the 
ling  as  it  did 
[>f  his  second 
id.  and  to  htf 


last  observation  he  replied,  as  he  reallj'-  felt,  that  any  change  in  hi.s  views  as  to 
his  disposal  could  in  no  way  aflect  him,  sinc«  it  was  a  matter  of  total  indiffer- 
ence whether  he  returned  to  Atnherstburg,  or  was  detiiinod  where  he  was.  In 
neither  case  could  he  actively  rcjoui  the  service  until  duly  exchanged,  a-.d 
this  was  the  only  object  embraced  in  any  desire  he  might  entertain  of  the 
kind. 

"  Still,"  added  the  Colonel.  "  although  I  may  not  suifer  you  to  return  yet 
into  Canada,  I  can  sec  no  objection  to  according  you  the  privilege  of  parole  of 
honor,  without  at  all  involving  the  after  question  of  whether  you  are  to  be 
considered  as  the  soldier  or  the  officer.  From  this  moment  therefore,  Mr. 
Granthr.vn,  you  will  consider  yourself  a  prisoner  at  large  within  the  fort — or, 
should  you  jircfer  journcymg  into  the  interior,  to  sharing  the  privations  and 
the  dullness  inseparable  from  our  isclatcd  position,  you  are  at  liberty  to  ac- 
company Captain  Jackson,  my  Aid-de-camp,  who  will  Ifave  this  within 
twelve  hours,  charged  with  dispatches  for  the  Governor  of  Kentucky." 

Gerald  had  already  acknowledged  to  himself  that,  if  anything  could  add  to 
liis  wretchedness,  it  would  be  a  compulsory  residence  in  a  place  not  only  des- 
titute itself  of  all  excitement,  but  calling  up,  at  every  hour,  the  images  of  his 
brave  conijianions  in  danger — men  whom  he  had  known  when  the  sun  of  his 
young  hopes  shone  unclouded,  and  whom  he  had  survived  but  to  l>e  made 
sensible  of  the  curse  of  exemption  from  a  similar  fate  ;  still,  with  that  instinc- 
tive delicacy  of  a  mind  whose  natural  refinement  not  even  a  heavy  wvight  of 
grief  could  wholly  deaden,  he  felt  some  hesitation  in  giving  expression  to  a 
wish,  the  eompliance  with,  which  would,  necessarily,  sepriratc  him  from  ono 
who  had  so  coTU'teously  treated  him,  and  whom  he  feared  to  wound  by  an  ap- 
pearance of  indifference. 

'•  I  think,  ]\Ir.  Grantham,"  pursued  Colonel  Forrester,  remarking  his  hesi- 
tation, ••  I  can  understand  what  is  passing  in  your  mind.  However  I  beg  j'oo 
will  suffer  no  mere  considerations  of  couitesy  to  interfere  with  your  inclinsv- 
tion.  I  can  promise  you  will  find  this  place  most  dismally'  dull,  especially  to 
one  who  has  no  positive  duty  to  perform  in  it.  If  I  may  venture  to  recotn- 
mcnd,  therefore,  you  will  accompany  Captain  Jackson.  The  ride  will  alibrd 
you  more  subject  for  diversion  than  an^'thing  we  can  furnish  here.'* 

Thus  happily  a.ssisted  in  his  decision  Gerald  said,  ''since,  Sir,  you  leave  it 
optional  witii  njo.  I  think  I  shall  avail  m3'self  of  your  kind  offer  and  accom- 
pany Captain  Jackson.  It  is  not  a  very  cheering  sight,"  he  pursued,  anxious 
to  assign  a  satisfactory  reason  for  his  choice,  '•  to  have  constantly  before  one's 
eyes  the  r^ceno  of  so  signal  a  discomfiture  as  that  which  our  arras  have  expe- 
rienced this  day." 

'•And  yet,"  a^ki  Colonel  Forrester,  "despite  of  that  discomfiture,  there 
was  nothing  in  the  conduct  of  those  engaged  that  should  call  a  blush  into  the 
cheek  of  the  most  fastidious  stickler  for  national  glory.  There  is  not  an  offi- 
cer here  present,"  he  continued,  "  who  is  not  prepared  to  attest  with  myself, 
that  your  cohinm  jn  particular  behaved  like  heroes.  IJy  the  way,  I  could 
wish  to  know,  hut  your  vrill  use  your  own  discj-etion  in  answering  or  do- 
clinin?  the  question,  what  was  the  actual  strength  of  your  attacking 
force  ?" 

•'  I  can  really  see  no  objection  to  a  candid  answer  to  your  question.  Colonel," 
returned  Gerald,  after  a  rnoinent's  consideration.  "Each  division  was,  I  be- 
lieve, for  1  cannot  state  with  certainty,  little  more  than  two  hundred  strong, 
making  in  all,  perhaps,  from  six  hundred  to  six  humjred  and  fifty  men.  In 
return,  may  I  ask  the  number  of  those  who  so  eflectually  repu!.'<ed  us  ?" 

''  Why  I  guess  only  one  hundred  and  fifty,  and  most  all  my  volunteers," 
somewhat  exultingly  exclaimed  Major  Killdeer. 

'•Only  ono  himdred  and  fifty  men  i"  repeated  Gerald,  unable  to  disguise  hi* 
vexation  and  astonishment. 

''  Tliat  cre's  a  poser  for  him."  said  the  Major,  turning  and  addressing  Cap 
tain  Buckhorn  in  an  under  tone,  who  replied  to  hiui  inth  a  win  k  from  hil 
nearest  eye. 


148 


WATILDJl     MONTOOMKRIE       OR, 


•'•'Erci.  so,  Mr.  Orantharn."  replied  tlie  Colonel.  "One  hnndrod  .ind  fifty 
•  won  of  all  arms,  save  artillery,  composed  my  force  at  the  moincut  i\dien 
your  columns  crossed  the  plain.  To-night  we  muster  one  hundred  auil  forty- 
,«inc." 

"  Good  Heaven  !"  oxclaimed  Gerald  warming  into  excitement,  with  vexation 
•and  pique.  '•  what  a  disprraceful  affair." 

"  Disj^ra^eful,  yes — l>ut  only  in  as  far  as  regard.s  those  who  planned,  and 
.provided  (or  rather  ought  to  have  provided)  the  means  of  attack.  I  can  as- 
jjnrc  you,  Mr.  Grantham,  that  although  prepared  to  defend  my  post  to  the 
ifast,  when  I  saw  your  columns  first  emerge  from  the  wood.  I  did  not  expect, 
with  my  small  force,  to  have  been  enabled  to  hold  the  place  one  hour;  for 
who  couhl  have  .supposed  that  even  a  school  boy,  had  such  been  placed  at  the 
;head  of  an  army,  would  have  sent  forward  a  stormmg  party,  without  either 
:lfi.scines  to  fill  a  trench,  or  ladders  to  ascend  from  it  when  filled.  Had  tlicso 
;been  provided,  there  can  bo  no  doubt  of  the  issue,  for,  to  repulse  the  attempt 
4kt  escalade  in  one  quarter,  I  must  have  concentrated  the  whole  of  my  littlo 
.^rcc — and  thereby  afforded  an  uno'  cd  entrance  to  the  other  columns — or 
^«%'en  granting  my  garrison  to  have  \.  jn  sufficient  to  keep  two  of  3'our  divi- 
,.»ions  in  chockj  there  still  remained  a  third  to  turn  the  scale  of  success  against 
y«s." 

'•  T  can  understand  the  satisfaction  with  which  you  discovered  this  wretched 
'Iffcyngling  on  the  part  of  our  leaders,"  remarked  Gerald,  with  vexation. 

■*'  No  sooner  had  I  detected  the  deficiency,"  pursued  Colonel  Forrester, 
l^an  I  knew  the  day  would  be  my  own,  since  the  obstacles  opposed  to  your 
littempt  would  admit  of  ni)'  spreading  my  men  over  the  whole  line  embraced 
jWithin  the  attack.  The  result,  3'ou  see,  has  justified  my  expectation.  But 
«nough  of  this.  After  the  fatigues  of  the  day,  you  must  require  both  food  and 
)|!(jst.  Captain  Jackson.  I  leave  it  to  j-ou  to  do  the  honors  of  hospitality  to- 
wards Mr.  Grantham,  who  will  so  shortly  become  your  fellow-traveller;  and 
;if,  when  he  has  performed  the  ablutions  he  .seems  so  much  to  require,  my 
wardrobe  can  furnish  anything  your  own  cannot  supply  to  transform  liim 
Alto  a  backwoodsman  (in  which  garb  I  would  .strongly  advise  him  to  travel). 
;I  bog  it  may  be  put  imdcr  contribution  without  ceremony." 

4So  saying,  Colonel  Forrester  departed  to  the  rude  log-hut  that  served  him 
rftr  his  head-quarters,  first  enjoining  his  uncouth  second  to  keep  a  suifir-ient 
,«utnber  of  men  on  the  alert,  and  take  siich  other  precautions  as  wi-ro  nece.s- 
••ftry  to  guard  against  surprise — an  event,  however,  of  which  little  apprelien- 
.«on  was  entertained,  now  that  the  British  troops  appeared  to  have  been 
.wholly  withdrawn. 

-Sick,  wearied,  and  imhappy,  Gerald  was  but  too  willing  to  escape  to  the 
,<Dlitude  of  retirement,  to  refuse  the  offer  which  Captain  Jackson  made  of  his 
,own  bc(t,  it  being  his  intention  to  sit  np  all  night  in  the  mess-room,  ready  to 
communicate  in.stantly  with  the  Colonel  in  the  event  of  any  alarm. 

Declining  the  pressing  invitation  of  the  officers  to  jom  in  tlie  repast  they 
were  about  to  n<ake  for  the  first  time  .since  the  jnorning,  ami  jnore  particu- 
larly that  of  Captain  Buckhorn,  who  sf  fongly  urged  him  to  '•  bring  himself  to 
■  an  anchor  and  try  a  little  of  the  AVabash,"  ho  took  a  polite  but  hasty 
(fcave  of  them  all,  and  was  soon  installf>d  for  the  night  in  the  Aid-dc-camp's 
;4ormitor3'. 

Jt  would  be  idle  to  say  that  Gerald  Vicvcr  closed  his  eyes  that  night — still 

^«nore  idle  would  it  be  to  attempt  a  description  of  all  that  passed  through  a 

naind  whose  extent  of  wretchedness  maybe  inferred  from  his  several  desperate 

•although  nnsuccessful,  efforts  at  the  utter  aimihilation  of  all  thouglit.     When 

^|ic  met  Colonel  Forrester  and  his  officers  in  the  mess-room  at  bieakfast.  lie 

•w'as  dressed,  as  had  been  recommended,  in  the  hunting  frock  and  belt  of  a 

ifcackwoodsman ;  and  in  this  his  gentlemanly  figure  looked  to  such  advantage) 

as  to  excite  general  attention — so  nuich  so,  indeed,  that  Major  Killdeer  w.js 

more  than  once  detected  in  eyeing  his  own  heavy  person,  as  if  to  ascertain  if 

the  points  of  cxcellen'^c  were  peculiar  to  the  dress  or  to  the  man.     Sick  and 


THE     PROPHECY    FOLFIl.LKD. 


14a 


1  and  fifty 
newt  is'hen 
aiiil  forty- 

th  vexation 

aimed,  and 
I  can  as- 
post  to  tho 
not  expect, 
liour;  for 
aced  at  tho 
lout  either 
Had  these 
he  attempt 
f  my  littlo 
)lumns — or 
■  yonr  divi- 
;ess  against 

is  wr  itched 
tion. 

Forrester, 
sed  to  your 
e  embraced 
ition.  But 
th  food  and 
^pitality  to- 
vellev;  and 
require,  my 
nsform  liiin 
,  to  travel). 

served  him 

a  sunir-ient 

were  nece.s- 

apj)relien- 

haTO  been 

;capc  to  tho 
nade  of  his 
n,  ready  to 

•epast  they 

re  parliou- 

hiui'^elf  to 

i)iit  hasty 

-de-canip's 

licrht — still 
throu{;h  a 
1  desperate 
ht.  When 
ealsfiist.  h.o 
d  belt  of  a 
advanta^'O 
.illdeer  w.js 
iseertain  if 
Sio'c  aud 


<!ispirited  as  he  was,  Gerald  felt  the  necessity  of  an  attempt  to  rally,  and' 
however  the  moralist  may  condemn  the  principle,  there  is  no  doubt  that  hfi 
was  considerably  aided  in  his  cHbrt  by  one  or  two  fjiasses  of  bitteis  which^ 
Captain  Buckhorn  strongly  recommended  as  beinu;  of  his  wife's  makinfr.  and  ' 
well  calculated  to  put  some  color  into  a  man's  face — an  advantage  in  whioh,  Ij*' ' 
truly  remarked.  Grantham  was  singularly  deficient.  ^ 

Accurate  intelligence  having  been  obtained  from  a  party  of  .scouts,  who  had* 
been  dispatched  early  in  the  ,uorning    to  track  their  course,  that  the  Briti.sllf' 
General  with  his  troops  and  Indians  had  finally  departed,  preparations  wer*'' 
made  about  midday  for  tlie  interment  of  the  fallen.      Two  large  graves  werflS' 
accordingly  dug  on  the  outer  brow  of  the  ravine,  and   in  these  the  bodies  of"  ' 
the  fallen  .soldiers  were  deposited,  with  all  the  honors  of  war.     A  smaller'' 
grave,  within  the  fort,  and  near  the  spot  where  they  .so  nobly  fell,  was  consi- 
deratelv  allotted  to  Cranstoun  and  Middlemore.     There  was  a  comj)Osednc.s!>!' 
on  the  brow  of  the  former  that  likened  him,  even  in  death,  to  the  living  mat\:||, ' 
while,  about  the  good-humored  mouth  of  poor  Middlemore.  playeil  the  .samtf 
sort  of  self-satisfied  smile  that  had  always  been  observable  there  when  iibout^ 
to  deliver  hmiself  of  a  .sally.     Gerald,  who  had  imposed  upon  himself  the  pain- 
ful duty  of  attending  to  their  last  committal  to  earth,  could  not  help  fancying" ' 
that  Middlemore  mu.st  have  breathed  his  last  with  an  inatidible  pun  upon  hiH-^ 
lips — an  idea  that  inexpressibly  affected  him.     Weighed  down  with  sorrow  a»- 
was  his  own  .soul,  he  had  yet  a  tear  for  tlie  occasion — not  that  his  brave  com- 
lales  were  dead,  but  that  they  had  died  with  so  much  to  attach  them  to  life-* 
while  he  who.se  hope  was  in  death  alone,  had  been  chained,  as  by  a  cur.s^ 
to  an  existence  compared  with  which  death  was  the  first  of  human  blea-  ' 

On  the  following  morning,  after  an  early  breakfast,  he  and  Captain  Jacksoti- 
quitted  the  fort,  Colonel*  Forrester — who  had  not  failed  to  remark  that  th^' 
brrisq-ie  uKiuner  of  his  aide-de-camp  was  not  altogether  understood  by  hia.' 
charicc — taking  occasion  at  parting,  to  assure  the  latter  that,  with  all  his  eccen-  ' 
tncily,  he  was  a  kind-hearted  man.  whom  he  had  selected  to  be  near  him  inorflE 
for  bis  persontil  courage,  zeal,  and  general  liberalit}'  of  feeling,  than  for  any; 
qu;ili(i!.atioiis  of  intellect  he  possessed. 

The  means  provided  for  their  transport  into  the  interior  were  well  assimila- 
ted to  the  dieariness  of  the  country  through  which  thev  passed.     Two  commotf' 
pack-horses,  lean,  galled  by  the  saddle,  and  callous  from  long  acquaintanorf  . 
with  the;  admonitory  influence  both  of  whip  and  spur,  had  been  selected  byr 
Captain  Jackson  as  the  best  within  the  fort.     Neither  were  the  trappings  outf^- 
of  keeping  with  the  steeds  they  decked.     ^loth-eaten  saddles,  almost  bhuiik 
with  ago,  beneath  which  were  spread  pieces  of  dirty  blanket  to  prevent  furthcf 
excoriation  of  the  alread}' bared  and  reeking  back — bridles,  the  o'iginal  thick- 
iie.ss  of  which  had  been  doubled  by  tho  incrustiition  of  mould  and  dirt  that 
peitinaciously  adhered  to  them — stirrups  and  bits,  with  their  accompanying  ' 
buckles — the  sib.sence  of  curb  chains  being  supplied  by  pieces  of  rope — all  af- 
forded evidence  of  the  wretchedness  of  resource  peculiar  to  a  back  settlemcnfe" 
population.     Over  the  hard  .saddles,  however,  had  been  strapped  the  b'ankcts 
which,  when  the  travellers  were  fortunate  enough  to  meet  with  a  hut  at  tha 
clo.se  of  their  day's  ride,  or,  as  was  more  frequently  the  case,  when  compelled 
to  bivouac  in  the  forest  before  the  fire  kindled  by  the  industry  of  the  hardy*  • 
aide-de-camp,  .served  them  as  their  onl3'  couch  of  rest,  while  the  small  leather  ' 
valise  tied  to  the  pummel  of  the  saddle,  and  containing  their  .scanty  wardrolxi^  • 
was  made  to  do  the  duty  of  the  absent  pillow.     The  blanket  Ger.ald  found  to  • 
l)e  Tlie  greatest  advantage  of  his  grotesque  equipment — so  much  so,  indeed^  ' 
that  wiien  compelled,  b}'  the  heavy  rains  which  t(jok  place  shortly  after  their  ' 
(lepnrtuie.  to  n»ake  it  serve,  after  the  fashion  of  a  backwoodsman,  as  a  covering  ' 
for  his  loins  and  shoulders,  he  was  obliged  to  own  that  liis  mi.series,  great  aa 
they  were,  were  yet  su.scepiible  of  increase. 

Notwithstanding  Captain  Jack.son  had  taken  what  he  Ton.siderod  to  he  th6 
l>est  of  tho  two  itosinantcs  for  himself,  Gerald  had  no  rea.son  to  deny  tho 


tso 


MATILDA     MO  \  TOO  M  eric;    Olt, 


eharactcf  for  kincl-licfirtedncss  given  of  him  by  Colonel  rarrester.  Frequently, 
when  winding  fhroiij^h  somo  dense  forest,  or  moving  over  sonic  extensive  plain 
There  nothing  beyond  thcjusclves  told  of  the  existence  of  innn,  his  companion 
wt)uld  endeavor  to  divert  him  from  the  abstraction  and  melancholy  in  which 
he  was  usually  plinigwl,  and,  ascribing  his  melandiol}'  to  an  unreal  cause,  seek 
to  arouse  him  by  the  consolatory  assurance  that  he  was  not  the  first  man  who 
had  been  taken  prisoner — adding  that  there  was  no  use  in  snivelling,  as"  what 
what  was  done  couldn't  be  undone,  and  no  great  hai^n  neither,  as  there  was 
some  as  pretty  gals  in  Kaintuck  Jis  could  be  picked  out  in  a  day's  ride ;  and 
that  to  a  good-looking  young  i'ellow  like  himself,  with  nothing  to  do  but  maka 
love  to  them,  that  ought  to  be  no  mean  consideration,  enabling  him,  as  it 
would,  to  while  away  the  tedium  of  captivity."  At  other  times  he  would 
launch  forth  into  some  wild  rhapsody,  the  invention  of  the  moment,  or  seek  to 
entertain  his  companion  with  startling  anecdotes  connected  witli  his  encOuntci-s 
with  the  Indians  on  the  Wabash,  (where  he  had  formerly  served.)  in  the  course 
of  which  much  of  the  marvellous,  to  call  it  by  the  moit  indulgent  term,  was 
necessarily  mixed  up — not  perhaps  that  he  was  quite  sensible  of  this  himself, 
but  because  he  possessed  a  constitutional  proneness  to  exaggeration  that  ren- 
dered him  even  more  credulous  of  the  good  things  he  uttered  than  those  to 
whom  he  detailed  them. 

But  Gerald  heard  without  being  amused,  and,  although  he  felt  thaukful  for 
the  intention,  v/as  distressed  that  his  abstraction  .should  be  the  subject  of  no- 
tice, and  his  despondency  the  object  of  care.  To  avoid  this  he  frequently 
Bufiercd  Jackson  to  take  the  lead,  and,  following  some  distance  in  the  rear  with 
his  arms  folded  aad  the  reins  loose  upon  the  horse's  neck,  often  ran  the  risk 
of  having  his  own  neck  broken  by  the  frequent  stumbling  of  the  unsure-footed 
beast.  iJiit  the  Captain  as  often  returned  to  the  chgirge,  for,  in  addition  to  a 
sincere  desire  to  rally  his  companion,  he  began  at  length  to  find  it  exceedingly 
irksome  to  travel  with  one  who  neither  spoke  himself,  nor  appeared  to  enjoy 
speech  in  another  ;  and  when  he  had  amused  him.self  with  whistling,  singing, 
hallooing^  and  cutting  a  thousand  antics  with  his  arms,  until  he  was  heartily 
tired  of  each  of  these  several  diversions,  he  would  rein  in  his  horse  to  suffer 
Gerald  to  come  up,  and,  after  a  conciliating  oiler  of  his  rum  flask,  accompanied 
by  a  slice  of  hung  beef  that  lined  the  wallet  depending  from  his  shoulder, 
enter  upon  some  new  and  strange  exploit,  of  which  he  was  as  usual  the  hero. 
Enforced  in  a  degree  to  make  some  return  for  the  bribe  offered  to  his  patience, 
Gerald  would  lend — all  he  could — his  ear  to  the  tale ;  but  long  before  tho 
completion  he  would  give  such  evidence  of  his  distraction,  as  utterly  to  discon- 
cert the  narrator,  and  cause  him  finally  to  have  recourse  to  one  of  the  inter- 
ludes above  described. 

In  this  manner  they  had  journeyed  .some  days,  when  the  rains  suddenly 
commenced  with  a  violence,  and  continued  with  a  pertinacity,  that  might  have 
worn  out  the  cheerfulness  of  much  less  impatient  spirits  than  tho.se  of  our 
travellers,  who  without  any  other  protection  than  what  was  afforded  by  tho 
blanket  tightly  girt  around  the  loin.s,  and  fastened  over  the  shoulders  in  front 
of  the  chest,  presented  an  appearance  quite  as  wild  as  the  waste  the}'  tra- 
versed. It  was  in  vain  that,  in  order  to  promote  a  more  rapid  circulation,  they 
essayed  to  urge  their  jaded  beasts  out  of  the  jog-trot  in  whicli  they  had  .set 
out.  Accustomed  to  this  from  the  time  when  they  first  emerged  from  colt- 
hood  into  honsehood,  the  aged  steeds,  like  many  aged  senatoi-s  of  their  day. 
were  determined  enemies  to  anything  like  innovation  on  thi  long  established 
customs  of  their  caste;  and.  although,  unlike  the  .said  senators,  they  were 
made  to  bear  all  tho  burdens  of  the  state,  still  did  they  not  suffer  themselves 
to  be  driven  out  of  the  .sluggish  hal>its  in  which  .ulnggish  animals  of  evtTV  de- 
scription seem  to  feel  themselves  privileged  to  indulge.  Whip  and  spur,  there- 
fore, were  alike  applied  in  vain,  as  to  any  accelarated  molion  in  tlu'inselve.-i ; 
but  with  this  advantage  at  least  to  tlicir  riders,  thai  while  the  latter  toiled 
vigorously  for  an  increase  of  vital  warmth  through  the  instiuiuentality  of  theii 
non -complying  ha'.'ks.  they  found  it  whire  they  least  sunned  to  look  for  It— 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


151 


!"reqncntly, 
insivc  plain 
companion 
y  in  which 

cause,  seek 
,t  man  wlio 
;,  as  "  what 
••,  there  waa 

ride ;  and 
)  but  maka 

him,  as  it 
i  he  would 
,  or  seek  to 
encOimtci-s 
1  the  course 

term,  was 
lis  himself, 
•n  that  rca- 
aa  those  lo 

havjkful  for 
bject  of  no- 

frequently 
le  rear  with 
•an  the  risk 
isure-footed 
ddition  to  a 
exceedinjxly 
id  to  enjoy 
ng,  singin;^, 
as  he;irti!y 
se  to  sullcr 
ccompanied 
is  shoulder, 
al  the  hero. 
lis  patience, 

before  the 
,'  to  discon- 
)f  the  inter- 

is  suddenly 

might  bavo 

lose  of  our 

(led  by  tho 

ers  in  front 

,e   the}'  tra- 

Jation,  they 

hey  had  set 

1  from  coll- 

if  their  day, 

established 

tliey  were 

theinselvea 

af  every  dc- 

.])ur,  there- 

.lu'Uiselves  ; 

alter  toiifd 

ity  of  tliL'ii 

uuk  for  It- 


mingled 


and    activity    which    kept    them    at    tho    fvuitlcsa 


h   the 

task. 

It  WHS  at  the  close  of  one  of  those  long  days  of  wearying;  travel  throughout 
a  vast  and  unsheltered  plain — where  only  bore  and  there  rose  an  occasiotiul 
cluster  of  trees,  like  oases  in  the  desert — that,  drenched  to  the  skin  with  tho 
Gtcady  rain,  which  commencing  at  the  dawn  had  continued  without  a  moment's 
intermission,  they  arrived  at  a  small  log  hut,  situate  on  ihe  skirt  of  a  forest 
forming  one  of  the  boimdurics  of  the  vast  savannah  the^'  had  traversed.  Such 
was  the  unpromising  appearance  of  this  apology  for  a  himian  dwelling,  that, 
under  any  other  circumstances,  even  the  '*  not  very  d — d  particular"  Jackson, 
fcs  the  aide-de-camp  often  termed  himself,  would  have  passed  it  by  without 
stopping  ;  but  after  a  long  day's  ride,  and  suffering  from  the  greatest  evils  t» 
which  a  traveller  can  well  be  subjected — cold,  wet  and  hunger — even  so 
wretched  a  resting-place  as  this  was  not  to  be  despised  ;  and  accordingly  a 
determination  was  formed  to  stop  there  for  the  night.  On  riding  up  to  thd 
door,  it  was  opened  to  their  knock,  when  a  tall  man — apparent!)'  its  only  occu- 
pant— came  forth,  and  after  viewing  the  travellers  a  moment  with  a  suspicioua 
eye,  inquired  '•  what  the  strangers  wanted  ?" 

'•  Why  I  guess,"  said  Jackson,  "  it  doesn't  need  much  conjuration  to  tell 
that.  Food  and  lodging  for  our.>;elves,  to  be  sure,  atid  a  wisp  of  hay  and  tether 
for  our  horses.  Ilospitalit}',  in  short ;  and  that's  what  no  true  Tennessee  man, 
bred  and  born,  never  refused  yet — no,  not  even  to  an  enemy,  sucii  a  night  an 
this." 

'•Then  you  must  go  further  in  search  of  it,"  replied  the  woodsman,  surlily, 
"  I  don't  keep  no  tavern,  .and  han't  got  no  accommodation  ;  and  what's  more, 
I  reckon  I'm  no  Tennessee  man." 

•'  But  any  accommodation  will  do.  friend.  If  yo\i  havn't  got  beds,  we'll  sit 
up  all  night,  and  warm  our  toes  at  the  fire,  and  spin  long  yarns,  as  they  tell 
in  the  Eastern  sea-ports.  Anything  but  turn  fi  fellow  out  such  a  night  a^ 
this." 

"But  I  say,  stranger,"  returned  tho  man  fiercelj'  and  determinedly,  *"  I  an't 
got  no  room  any  how.  and  you  shan't  bide  here." 

"  Oh,  ho,  my  old  cock  !  that's  the  ticket,  is  it  ?  But  you'll  sec  whether  an 
old  stager  like  me  is  to  bo  turned  out  of  any  man's  house  such  a  night  as  this. 
I  havn't  served  two  campaigns  against  the  Ingins  and  the  British  for  nothing ; 
and  here  I  rest  for  the  night." 

So  saying,  the  determined  .Jackson  coolly  dismo\mted  from  his  horse,  and 
nnbuckling  the  girth,  proceeded  to  deposit  the  saddle,  with  the  valise  attached 
to  it,  within  the  hut,  the  door  of  which  still  stood  open. 

The  woodman,  perceiving  his  object,  made  a  movement,  as  if  to  bar  tho 
passage  ;  but  Jackson  with  great  activity  seized  him  by  the  wrist  of  the  left 
hand,  and,  all-powerful  as  tlie  ruffian  was,  .sent  him  dancing  some  few  yards 
in  front  of  the  threshold  before  ho  was  aware  of  bis  intention,  or  could  resist 
the  peculiar  knack  with  which  it  was  accomjilished.  The  aide-de-camp, 
meanwhile,  had  deposited  his  .saddle  in  a  corner  near  the  fire,  and  en  his  return 
to  the  door,  met  the  inhospitable  woodsman  advancing  as  if  to  court  a  perso- 
nal encounter. 

"  Now.  I'll  tell  you  what  it  is,  friend."  he  said  calndy,  throwing  back  at  tho 
same  time  the  blanket  that  concealed  his  imiform  and — what  was  more  impo« 
sing — a  brace  of  large  pistols  stuck  in  his  belt.  "  You'd  better  have  no  non- 
nense  with  me,  I  promise  you,  or — ''  and  he  tapped  with  the  fore  fhigor  of  his 
right  hand  upon  the  butt  of  one  of  them,  with  an  e.x-jiression  that  could  not  b« 
misunderstood. 

The  woodsman  scorned  little  awed  by  this  demonstration.  He  was  evidently 
one  on  whom  it  might  have  been  dangerous  for  one  man,  however  well  armed, 
to  have  forced  his  presence,  so  far  from  every  other  human  habitation  ;  and  it 
is  probable  that  his  forbearance  then  arose  from  t\\e  fict  of  there  being  two 
opposed  to  him,  for  he  glanced  rapidly  from  one  to  the  other,  nor  was  it  until 
he  seemed  to  have  mentally  decided  that  the  odds  of  two  to  one  were  somo 


153 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;     OR, 


what  iinoqiial,  that  he  at  length  withdrew  himself  out  of  the  doorway,  as  if  la 
prssive  assent  to  the  stay  he  could  not  well  prevent. 

"  Just  so.  my  old  cook,"  continued  Jackson,  findinp:  that  he  had  p.-iincd  h\n 
point,  "'and  when  you  .speak  of  this  a;^uin,  don't  forj^et  to  say  it  was  a  true 
Tennessee  man,  bi'ed  and  born,  that  <^'ayo  you  a  lcs.son  in  what  no  .American 
over  wanted — hospitality  to  a  stranj;;cr.     Suppose  you  begin  and  make  your 
•elf  useful,  by  tethering  and  foddering  old  .spare  bones." 

"  T  reckon  as  how  you've  hands  as  well  as  mc,"  rejoined  the  surly  woods- 
man. '•  and  every  man  knows  the  ways  of  his  own  beast  best.  As  for  fodder, 
they'll  find  it  on  the  skirt  of  the  wood,  and  where  natur' planted  it." 

fierald  meanwhile,  finding  victory  declare  itsalf  in  fuvor  of  his  companion, 
had  followed  his  example  and  entered  the  hut  with  his  saddle.  As  iie  .again 
qtiitted  it,  a  .sudden  (lash  of  light  from  the  fire,  which  Jack.son  was  then  in  tho 
net  of  stirring,  fell  upon  the  counten.ance  of  the  woodsman  who  stood  without, 
h'lH  arms  folded  and  his  brow  scowling,  us  if  planning  some  revenge  for  tho 
humiliation  to  which  he  h.'id  been  subjected.  In  the  indistinct  dusk  of  the 
evening  ((rantharn  had  not  been  able  to  remark  more  than  the  outline  of  the 
figure  ;  but  the  voice  struck  him  as  one  not  unknown  to  him,  although  some- 
what harsher  in  its  tones  than  that  which  his  faint  recollection  of  the  past 
mipplied.  The  glance  he  had  now  ol  ained,  nioni'Mitary  as  it  was,  put  every 
doubt  to  rest.  What  his  feelings  were  in  recognising  in  the  woodsman  tho 
traitor  settler  of  the  Canadas,  Jeremiah  Desborough,  we  leave  to  our  readers 
U»  infer. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

Thkre  was  a  time,  when  to  have  met  his  father's  enemy  thus  would  have 
boen  to  liave  called  into  activity  all  the  dormant  fierceness  of  Gerald's  nature ; 
but  since  they  had  last  parted,  a  new  channel  had  been  opened  to  his  feelings, 
nnd  the  c'eep  and  mysterious  grief  in  which  we  have  seen  him  shrouded  had 
been  of  so  "bsorbing  and  selfi.sh  a  nature,  as  to  leave  him  little  consideration 
for  sorrows  no*  his  own.  The  rash  impetuosity  of  his  fornjer  character,  which 
had  often  led  him  to  act  even  before  he  thought,  and  to  resent  an  injury  before 
it  couM  wjU  be  said  to  have  been  offered,  had  moreover  given  place  to  a  .self- 
ronimand,  the  fruit  of  the  i-ellective  habits  and  desire  of  concealment  which  had 
made  him  latterl}'  almost  a  stranger  to  himself. 

Whatever  his  motives  for  outwardly  avoiding  all  recognition  of  the  .settler, 
certain  it  is  that,  so  far  from  this,  he  sought  sedulon.'5ly  to  conceal  his  own 
idcntit}',  by  drawing  the  slouched  hat,  which  formed  a  portion  of  his  new 
equipment,  lower  over  his  eyes.  I^eft  to  do  the  duties  of  the  rude  hoslelr}', 
Captain  Jackson  and  he  now  quitted  the  hut,  and  leading  their  jaded,  smoking 
Htoeds,  a  few  roils  off  to  the  verge  of  the  plain  they  had  so  recently  traversed, 
prepared  to  dispose  of  them  for  the  night.  Gerald  had  by  this  time  become 
too  experienced  io  the  mode  of  travelling  through  an  American  wilderness,  not 
to  understand,  that  lie  who  expects  to  find  a  companion  in  his  horse  in  tho 
morning  must  duly  secure  him  with  ihe  tether  at  night.  Following,  therefore, 
the  example  of  tho  Aide-de-camp,  he  applied  hnnself  amid  the  still  pelting  rain, 
to  the  not  very  cleanly  task  of  binding  round  the  fetlock  joints  of  his  steed 
Bcveral  yards  of  untanned  hide  strij)s,  with  which  they  were  severally  provided 
for  the  |:)urpose.  E:ich  gave  his  steed  a  p-irtiug  slap  on  the  buttock  with  tho 
bard  bridle.  Jackson  exclaiming,  '•  Go  ye  luxurious  beasts — ye  have  a  whole 
pniiric  of  wet  g7-ass  to  revel  in  for  the  night,"  and  then  left  them  to  make  tho 
best  of  their  dainty  food. 

AVhiic  retiiruinfr.  Grantham  t'-ok  0''C;ipon  to  observe,  that  lie  had  reason 
to  think  he  kr.ew  t!ie  surly  and  iuhospifaHle  woodsman,  by  whom  however  ho 


wa.i  not  desirous  of  bciuj;  recognised,  and  thcrcfoi'e 


be^jgcd  as  u  fsior  that 


THE     PROPHECY    FULFILLED. 


153 


Captain  Jackson  would  not.  in  the  course  of  the  night,  mention  his  name,  or 
fven  alhule  to  liim  in  any  way  that  could  load  to  an  inference  that  he  was  any 
other  than  he  seemed,  a  companion  and  brother  olficer  of  his  own  ;  promising:, 
in  conclusion,  to  give  him,  in  the  course  of  the  next  day's  journo}',  some  little 
history  of  the  luan  which  would  fully  explain  !iis  motives.  With  this  request 
Jackson  unhesitatingl}'  promised  compliimce,  adding,  good-humoredly,  that  ho 
was  not  sorry  to  pledge  himself  to  anythiufi;  that  would  thaw  his  compauion'.s 
tongue  into  sociahility.  and  render  himself  for  the  first  time  since  their  de|)art- 
ure,  a  listener.  Before  entering  the  hut  Gerald  further  observed  in  a  whisper, 
that,  the  better  to  escape  recognition,  he  would,  as  nuich  as  possible,  avoid 
joining  in  any  conversation  which  might  ensue,  and  therefore  hoped  his  com- 
panion would  not  think  him  rude  if  he  suflercd  hun  to  bear  the  tax.  Jackson 
again  promised  to  keep  the  attention  of  the  woodsman  directed  as  much  as 
posssible  to  himself  observing  that  he  thought  Gerald  had  already,  to  his  cost, 
discovered  he  was  one  not  easily  tired  out  by  couversation,  should  their  host  bo 
that  way  inclined. 

On  opening  the  door  of  the  cabin.  they»found  that  the  woodsman — or  moro 
properly  the  .settler,  as  we  shall  again  term  him — making  a  virtue  of  necessity, 
had  .somewhat  changed  its  interior.  A  number  of  fine  K)gs.  sufficient  to  last 
throughout  the  night  had  been  heaped  upon  the  hearth,  and  these,  crackling 
and  lizzing,  and  emitting  sparks  in  all  the  burly  of  a  hickory  wood  fire,  gave 
promise  of  a  night  of  comparative  comfort.  Ensconced  in  the  farther  corner 
of  the  chimney,  the  .settler  had  already  taken  his  seat,  and,  regardless  of  the 
entrance  of  the  strangers,  (with  his  elbows  resting  on  his  knees,  and  his  faco 
buried  in  his  largo  palms.)  kept  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  fire,  as  if  with  .1  sullen 
determination  neither  to  speak  nor  suffer  himself  to  be  questioned.  But  the 
Aide-de-camp  was  by  no  means  disposed  to  humor  him  in  his  fancy.  The  idea 
of  passing  some  eight,  or  ten  (.onsecutivo  hours  in  company  with  two  fellow 
beings,  without  calling  into  full  play  the  bump  of  loquacity  with  which  nature 
liad  largely  endowed  him,  was,  in  his  view,  little  better  than  the  evil  from 
which  his  perseverance  had  just  enabled  him  to  escape.  Making  himself  per- 
fectly at  home,  ho  unbuckled  the  wet  blanket  from  his  loins  and  spreading  it, 
with  that  of  Gerald,  to  dry  upon  the  rude  floor  before  the  Vire,  drew  forward 
a  heavy  uncouth-looking  table,  (which,  with  two  or  three  equally  unpolished 
chairs,  formed  the  whole  of  the  furniture.)  and  deposited  thereon  the  nallet  or 
haversack  in  which  remained  a  portion  of  provision.  lie  then  secured  the  last 
vacant  chair,  uiid  taking  up  a  position  on  the  right  of  the  table  which  lay  be- 
tween himself  and  Gerald,  let  it  fall  upon  the  dry  clay  hearth." with  a  violenco 
that  caused  the  settler  to  quit  his  attitude  of  abstraction  for  one  of  anger 
and  surprise. 

"  Sorry  to  disturb  you.  friend,"  he  said,  "  but  these  chairs  of  yours  are  so 
cursed  heavy,  there's  no  handling  them  decently  ;  'specially  with  cold 
lingers," 

"  Beggars,  I  reckon,  have  no  right  to  be  choosers,"  returned  the  settler  ; 
"  the  chairs  is  quite  good  enough  forme — and  no  one  axed  you  to  sit  on  'em." 

'•  I'll  tell  you  what  it  is,  old  cock,"  continued  the  Aide-de-camp,  edging  hi.s 
peat  closer,  and  giving  his  host  a  smart  friendly  slap  upon  the  thigh, '"  this  dull 
life  of  yours  don't  uuich  improve  your  ti'mper.  Why,  as  I  am  a  true  Tennes- 
see man.  bred  and  born,  I  never  .set  eyes  upon  such  a  crab-api)le  in  all  my  lifo 
—you'd  turn  a  whole  dairy  of  the  sweetest  milk  th.it  ever  came  fiom  prairio- 
prass  sour  in  less  than  no  time.  I  take  it  3'ou  must  be  crossed  in  love,  old 
boy-^h?" 

"  Crossed  in  hell,"  returned  the  settler,  savagely  ;  '•  T  reckon  as  how  it  don't 
consam  you  whetb.cr  I   look   sour  or  sweet — what  you  want  is 
lodgin',  and  you've  got  it — so  don't  trouble  me  no  more." 

''  Very  sorr\'.  but  T  shall."  said  .Jackson,  secretly  congratulating  liimself 
that,  now  he  had  got  the  tongue  of  bis  host  in  moliou.  he  had  a  fairchanca 
of  keeping  it  .so.  •  I  must  trouble  you  for  some  bread,  iuul  whatovtr  cJseyour 
larder  may  aftbrd.     I'll  pay  you  honestly  for  it,  friend." 


a  night's 


154 


MATILDA     MnNTQOMERIS;     OR 


'•  I  sho-.iM  p:iti<«!s,"  .enifl  tho  sottlcr,  his  stern  features  brightening  for  the  fir«'t 
time  into  a  smile  of  irony.  '•  jis  }io\v  a  man  who  hnd  served  a  c.itnpaign  agin  tho 
Ingnis  and  anolhcr  ajrin  the  Dritish.  might  contrive  to  do  without  sich  a  lux- 
ury as  bread.     You'll  find  no  bread  hei-e,  T  reckon." 

'•  What,  not  even  a  bit  of  eorn  bread  ?  'I'ry,  my  old  cock,  and  rummage  up 
n  crust  or  two,  for  hung  beef  is  devilish  tight  work  for  tho  teeth,  without  a 
little  bread  of  some  sort  for  a  relish." 

"If  you'd  ha'  used  your  eyes,  you'd  ha'  seen  nothin' like  a  corn  patch  for 
twenty  mile  round  about  this.  Uread  never  entered  this  hut  .since  I  have  been 
here.     I  don't  cat  it." 

"  More's  the  pity,"  replied  Jackson,  with  infinite  drollery;  "but  though  you 
may  not  like  it  yourself,  your  friends  may." 

''  I  have  no  friends — I  vish  to  have  no  friends  !"  was  the  sullen  reply. 

".  More's  the  pity  still,"  pursued  the  Aide-de-camp.  "  But  what  do  you 
live  on,  then,  old  cock   if  you  don't  eat  bread  ?" 

'•  Human  flesh.     Take  that  as  a  relish  to  your  hung  beef." 

Scarcely  liad  the  strange  expression  escaped  the  settler's  lips,  when  Jack- 
son, active  as  a  deer,  was  at  the  farther  end  of  the  hut,  oneliand  holding  tho 
heavy  chair  as  a  shield  before  liim,  the  other  placed  upon  the  butt  of  one  of 
his  pistols.  The  former  at  the  same  moment  quitted  his  seat,  and  stretching 
liis  tall  and  nmscular  form  to  its  utmost  height,  burst  into  a  laugh  that 
.sounded  more  like  that  of  some  wild  beast  than  a  Imman  being.  The  involun- 
tary terror  produced  in  his  guest  was  evidently  a  .source  of  exultation  to  him, 
and  beseemed  gratified  to  think  he  had  at  length  discovered  the  means  of  ma- 
king himself  looked  upon  with  something  like  fear. 

On  entering  tho  hut,  Gerald  had  taken  his  .seat  at  the  opposite  corner  of 
the  fire,  yet  in  such  a  manner  as  to  admit  of  his  features  being  shaded  by  tho 
projection  of  the  chimney.  'J'he  customs  of  the  wilderness,  moreover,  render- 
ing it  neither  olfensive,  nor  even  worthy  of  remark,  that  he  should  retain  his 
liat,  he  had,  as  in  the  first  instance,  drawn  it  as  much  over  his  eyes  as  he  con- 
ceived suited  to  his  purpose  of  concealment,  without  exciting  a  suspicion  of 
his  design  ;  and,  as  the  alteration  in  his  dress  was  calculated  to  deceive  into  a 
belief  of  his  being  an  American,  he  had  been  enabled  to  observe  the  settler 
v/ithout  nuich  fear  of  recognition  in  return.  A  great  change  had  taken  placa 
in  the  manner  of  Desborough.  Ferocious  he  still  was,  but  it  was  a  ferocity 
wholly  unmixed  with  the  cunning  of  his  former  years,  that  he  now  exhibited. 
He  had  c\idently  suffered  much,  and  there  was  a  stamp  of  thought  on  tiio 
heavy  countenance  that  Gerald  had  never  remarked  there  before.  There  wa.s 
also  this  anomaly  in  the  man — that  while  ten  years  appeared  to  have  been 
added  to  his  age,  his  strength  was  increased  in  the  same  propo'-tion — a  chango 
that  made  iiself  evident  by  the  attitude  in  which  he  stood. 

"  Why  now  I  take  it  you  must  be  jesting."  at  length  exclaimed  the  Aid-de» 
camp,  donbtingly,  dropping  at  the  same  time  the  chair  upon  the  floor,  yet 
keeping  it  before  him  as  though  not  quite  safe  in  the  presence  of  this  self-con- 
fessed anthropophagos  ;  "  you  surely  don't  mean  to  say  )"ou  kill  and  pieklo 
every  unfortunate  traveller  that  comes  by  here.  If  so,  I  must  apprehend  you 
in  tiie  name  of  the  United  States  Government." 

"  I  rather  calcidate  not,  Jlister,"  sneered  tho  settler.  "  TJesides,  I  don't  eat 
the  United  States  subjects ;  consequently  they've  no  claim  to  interfere." 

"  Who  the  devil  do  you  eat,  then  ?"  asked  Jackson,  gathering  courage  with 
his  curiosity,  aud  advancing  a  pace  or  two  nearer  the  fire,  "  or  is  it  all  a 
hum  ?" 

The  settlor  approached  the  fire,  stooped  a  little,  and  applying  his  .shoulder 
to  the  top  of  the  opening,  thrust  his  right  hand  and  arm  up  the  chimney. 

"  I  reckon  that's  no  hum,"  he  said,  producing  and  throwing  upon  the  tablo 

a  piece  of  daik,  dry  flesh,  tliat  resembled  in  ai)pearance  the  ujjper  part  of  a 

human  arm.     "  If  you're  fond  of  a  relisn,"  he  pursnied,  with  a  fierce  laugh, 

'you'll  find  that  mighty  well  suite']  <c  the  palate— qtitc  as  sweet  as  a  hit  o( 

hijjok'd  venison."  ,  -  =         . 


THE     PROPHECY     F  U  t.  F  I  L  I,  E  D  . 


11)5 


"Why,  you  don't  really  mean  to  hay  that's  part  of  a  irian?"  deraarvled 
Jackson,  advancin;;  caiitio'isly  to  tho  tsihle.  and  tiirniivj;  over  thi^  shrivi'll'-d 
mass  with  the  point  of  his  dagger.  •'  Why,  1  ileclare,  its  juat  the  color  of  my 
dried  heef." 

"  lint  I  do  thous^h — and  what's  more,  of  my  <  .vn  killin'  and  dryin'.  Party 
naturist  you  must  bo,  not  to  sec;  that's  olfjin  Ingin's  arm !" 

''  Oh.  an  Ingin'.s  only,  is  it?"  returned  tho  Aid-de-canip,  whor?o  apprclicn- 
fiion  began  rapidly  to  subside,  now  that  he  had  obtained  the  conviction  that  it 
was  not  the  flesh  of  a  white  man.  "  Well,  I'm  sure  !  who'd  have  tliought  it  7 
T  take  it.  old  cock,  you've  been  in  tho  wars  as  well  as  myself." 

'•A  little  or  so,  I  reckon,  and  I  expect  to  be  in  tliem  agm  .shortly — as  soon 
as  my  stock  of  food's  out.  I've  only  a  thigh  bone  to  pick  after  tliis,  and  then 
T'm  off.  IJut  why  don't  you  take  your  .seat  at  the  fire.  There's  nothin'  so 
out  of  the  way  in  the  sight  of  a  naked  arm,  is  there  ?  I  reckon,  if  you're  a 
soger,  you  must  have  seen  many  a  one  lopped  off  in  the  wars." 

"  Yes,  friend,"  said  Jackson,  altering  the  position  of  the  table  and  placins 
it  between  tho  settlei  and  himself;  '•  a  good  many  lopjjod  off,  as  you  say,  and 
in  a  devil  of  a  stew,  but  not  exactly  eaten.  However,  bo  so  good  as  to  return 
this  to  the  chimney,  and  when  I've  eaten  something  from  my  bag,  I'll  listen 
to  what  )'0u  have  to  say  about  it."  ' 

"  Jist  so,  and  go  without  my  own  supper,  I  suppose,  to  plcaso  you.  Bui 
fTtrnation,  while  you're  eatin'  a  bit  of  your  hung  beef,  I'll  try  a  snack  of 
mine." 

So  saying,  he  deliberately  took  from  the  table  the  dried  arm  he  had  previ- 
ously flung  there,  and,  removing  a  large  clasp  knife  from  a  pocket  beneath  his 
coarse  hunting  frock,  proceeded  to  help  himself  to  several  thin  slices,  corres- 
ponding precisely  in  appearance  with  tho.so  which  the  Aid-de-camp  divided  in 
the  same  manner. 

Jackson  had  managed  to  swallow  three  or  four  pieces  of  his  fiivorite  hung 
beef  with  all  the  avidity  of  an  appetite  rendered  keen  by  the  absence  of  every 
other  stimuliint  than  hunger  ;  but  no  sooner  did  he  perceive  his  host  fasten- 
ing with  a  degree  of  fury  on  hi.s  unnatural  food,  than,  sick  and  full  of  loath- 
ing, his  stomach  rejected  further  aliment,  and  he  was  compelled  to  desist. 
During  all  this  time,  Grantham,  who,  although  he  had  assumed  the  manner 
and  attitude  of  a  sleeping  man,  was  a  watchful  observer  of  all  that  passed,  nei- 
ther moved  nor  uttered  a  syllable,  except  on  one  occasion  to  put  away  from 
him  the  food  Jackson  had  ollered. 

''Sorry  to  sec  your  ride  has  given  you  so  poor  an  appetite,"  .said  the  settler, 
with  a  look  expressive  of  the  savage  delight  he  felt  in  annoying  his  visitor, 
''  I  reckon  that's  rather  unsavory  stuff  you've  got  there,  that  you  can't  eat  it 
without  breati.  I  say,  young  man,"  addressing  QrantL.im,  "  can't  you  lind 
no  appetite  neither,  that  you  sit  there  snorin',  as  if  you  never  meant  to  wako 
agin." 

Gerald's  head  sunk  lower  on  his  chest,  and  his  affectation  of  slumber  be- 
came more  profound. 

"  Try  a  drop  of  this,"  said,  Jackson,  offering  his  canteen,  after  having  drank 
himself,  and  with  a  view  to  distract  attention  from  his  comp.anion.  •'  You 
seem  to  have  no  liquor  in  the  house,  and  I  take  it  you  j'equire  sainething  hot 
as  h-U,  and  strong  as  d — n n,  after  that  ogre-like  repast  of  yours," 

The  settler  .seized  the  can,  and  raised  it  to  his  lips.  It  contained  some  of 
the  flery  -whiskey  we  have  already  described  as  the  common  beverage  in  most 
parts  of  America.  This,  all  powerful  as  it  was,  ho  drained  off  as  though  it 
had  been  water,  and  with  the  greedy  avidity  of  one  who  finds  himself  sud- 
denly restored  to  the  pos.session  of  a  favorite  and  long  absent  drink. 

"  lIoUo,  my  friend !"  exclaimed  the  angry  Aid-de-camp,  who  had  watchetl 
the  rapid  disappearance  of  his  ';  traveller's  best  companion,"  as  he  quaintly 
enough  termed  it,  down  tho  capacious  gi;llet  of  tho  woodman — and  snatching 
At  the  .same  moment  the  nearly  emptied  canteen  from  his  hands.  I  take  it, 
that's  not  handsome.     As  I'm  a  true  Tennessee  luan,  bred  and  born,  it  aint 


iGO 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;    OR, 


at  all  liospitaMo  to  empty  off  a  pint  of  ran  liquor  at  a  spell,  anfl  hf.vo  not  rc 
iimrli  as  a  p;las.s  of  tn(.'tho}>;Iin  to  olfcr  in  return.  What  the  h-!I  do  you  sti[>. 
pose  xvo'rc!  to  do  to-tnorrow  for  drink,  diirin;:  a  nirst  Iout  rido  through  the 
wood,  and  not  a  house  of  call  till  nijriitfill  alon;;  the  road  ?'' 

'i'ho  ruflian  drew  n  Itrcath  Ion;;  and  heavy  in  proportion  to  the  draujrht  ho 
had  s-.vallo\vcd,  and  when  his  lunjrs  had  a!::ain  recovered  th(>ir  play,  answered, 
blusterini^ly,  in  a  voice  that  hetol<ened  incipient  intoxication: 

'•  Roar  mc  up  a  saplin',  Mistor,  but  yon'ic  mi},'hty  .stinj^y  of  the  Wahash. 
I  n.'ckon  as  how  I  inadu  you  a  free  olfer  of  toy  food,  and  it  warn't  no  fault  of 
mine  if  you  diihi't  choose  to  take  it.  Tt  would  only  have  been  relish  for  rcli.sh, 
after  all — and  that's  what  I  call  fair  swap." 

'■  Well,  no  matter,"  .said  Jackson,  .soothinirly ;  '"  what's  done  can't  be  un- 
done, therefore  I  take  it  its  no  use  arj^nfyinir — however,  my  ol<l  cock,  when 
next  yon  };et  the  neck  of  a  canteen  of  niijui  'twixt  your  li|)s,  I  hope  it  may  do 
the  cockles  of  your  heart  good  ;  that's  all.  Ibit  let's  hear  how  yon  came  by 
them  pieces  of  nigger's  (lesli.  and  how  it  is  you've  take'i  it  into  your  head  to 
turn  s'(]uatter  here.  Yon  seem,"  glimcing  around.  "  to  hav"  no  sleeping  room 
to  spare,  and  one  niaj'  as  well  sit  up  and  chat,  u.s  have  one'.s  bones  bruised  to 
squash  on  the  hard  boards," 

'•  It's  a  sad  tale,"  said  the  .settler  grufTly^and  with  a  darkening  brow,  "and 
brings  bitter  thought.s  with  it ;  but  as  the  liquor  has  cheen'd  me  up  a  bit,  I 
ilon't  much  mind  if  I  do  tell  you  how  I  .skivered  the  varmint.  Indeed,"  ho 
pufstKul  s.ivagely,  '"that  always  gives  me  a  pleasure  to  think  of  fori  owed 
them  a  deperate  grudge — the  bloody  red  .skins  and  imps  of  hell.  I  was  on  my 
way  to  Detroit,  to  .see  the  .s[Ktt  once  more  where  my  poor  boy  Phil  lay  rootin,' 
and  one  dark  night  (for  I  only  ventured  to  move  at  night).  I  came  slick  upon 
two  Inr^ins  as  was  lying  fast  asleep  before  their  fire  in  a  deep  ravine.  The  one 
nearest  to  me  had  his  face  nnkivered,  and  I  knew  the  varmint  for  the  tall  dark 
Deluweer  chiff  as  made  one  of  the  party  after  poor  Phil  and  me,  a  sight  that 
made  me  thirst  for  the  blood  of  the  heathens  as  a  child  for  mother'.s  milk. 
Well,  lio.v  do  you  think  I  manaorcd  them.  I  calculate  you'd  never  gue.ss. 
Why.  T  stole,  as  quiet  as  a  fox  until  f  got  jist  atween  them,  and  then  holdin' 
a  cocked  pistol  to  each  breast,  I  called  out  in  a  thnnderin'  voice  that  made  tho 
woods  ring  agin,  Kit-chimocomon.  which  you  know,  as  you've  been  in  tho 
wars,  signifies  long  knife  or  Yankee.  You'd  a  lan,gb'd  fit  to  split  your  sides  I 
guess,  to  .see  the  stupiil  stare  of  the  devils,  as  startin'  out  of  tlieir  .sleep,  they 
saw  a  pistol  within  throe  indies  of  each  orcin.  '  Ugh,'  says  they,  as  if  they 
did'nt  know  well  whether  to  take  it  as  a  joke  or  not.  'Yes,  'ugh'  and  bo 
damii'd  to  j'ou,'  say's  I:  you  may  go  and  'ugh'  in  hell  next — and  with  that 
snap  went  the  triggers,  and  into  their  curst  carcasses  went  tho  balls.  The  one 
I  killed  outright  but  t'other,  the  Delaweer  chief  was  by  a  sudden  shift  only 
slightly  wounded,  and  he  sprung  on  his  feet  and  out  with  his  knife.  But  Ihad 
a  knife  too.  and  all  a  disappointed  father's  rage  to  boot,  so  at  it  we  went 
closin'  and  strikin'  with  our  knives  Irke  two  fierce  fiends  of  the  forest.  It  was 
noble  sport  sure/y.  At  last  the  Delaweer  fell  over  the  bleedin'  body  of  his 
warrior  and  I  top  of  him.  As  he  fell  the  knife  dropped  from  liis  hand  and  ho 
could'nt  reach  it  no  how,  while  I  still  gripped  n:ine  fa.st.  '  Ugh,'  lie  muttered 
again,  as  if  askin'  to  know  what  I  meant  to  do  next.  'Ugh,'  and  be  damned 
to  you  once  more,  say'.s  I — and  the  pint  of  my  long  knife  was  .soon  buried  in 
Irs  black  heart.  Then,  when  I  see  them  both  dead  I  eat  my  own  meal  at 
their  fire,  for  I  was  tarnation  hungry,  and  wliile  I  was  eatin'  a  thought  camo 
across  me  that  it  would  be  good  fun  to  make  smoked  meat  of  the  vafmint,  so 
when  I  tucked  it  in  purty  considerably,  what  with  hominy  and  dried  bear's 
meat,  moistened  with  a  little  Wabash  I  found  in  the  Delaweer  chiePs  canteen, 
I  .set  to  and  regularly  quartered  them.  The  trunks  I  left  behind,  but  the  limbs 
I  packed  up  in  the  blankets  that  had  been  used  to  kiver  them,  I  reckon ;  and 
with  them  slung  across  my  .shoulder.'!,  like  a  saddle  bag  acros-s  a  horse,  I  mado 
tracks  through  the  swamps  and  the  prairies  for  this  here  hut,  which  T  know'd 
no  livin'  soul  had  been  nigh  for  many  a  long  year.     And  now  "  he  concluded 


TUB     P  R  O  l»  II  P.  C  Y     r  U  L  F  I  L  L  E  D . 


157 


with  a  low  (Irtinlti.'ii  Inticfh,  "you've  tlio  history  of  tho  dried  moat  Thcrt- 
Isn't  iiuicli  left  hut  \vlu;n  nil  i^  roiij  I'm  od'to  th»;  w.ir-i,  for  I  ciu't  find  iv» 
peace  I  reckon  without  my  |>Oi>r  hoy  Phil."  He  pinisid  a  luomont,  and  tlion 
08  ifsuddenly  iiillnenoed  hy  some  painful  recoll'-ction.  he  .strucl*  his  hand  with 
fttart'ing  violen-c  upon  the  tahle.  anil,  while  every  P-ature  ofliis  iron  counten- 
ance .seemed  worki-d  up  to  a  pitch  of  intensitv,  added  wjth  fearful  calmness, 
"May  (Jod's  cinse  lif^ht  upon  mj  if  I  don't  have  my  revcnije  of  them  (jran- 
thams  yet: — yes"  he  conlinueil  with  increased  cx<;itenient  of  voice  and  man- 
ner, while  ho  kicked  one  of  the  blazinf;;  hickory  Io;^s  in  tlic  chimney  with  all 
the  savay;enesK  of  drunken  ra:^e.  cansini;  a  multitude  of  sparks  to  spit  forth  as 
from  tlio  anvil  of  a  smith— 'jist  .so  wonl<l  I  kick  them  both  to  hell  for  having 
inurdere<l  my  poor  hoy." 

"  Why,  surely,  I.iftenant  Orantliam,  ho  can't  njennt  you  ?"  ahruiitl}'  ques- 
tioned tlio  Aiil-de-camp,  drawing  huck  his  cliair  and  restint;  the  pilms  of  hiy 
hands  upon  his  knees,  while  ho  fixed  hia  eye  keenly  and  inquiringly  upon 
Gerahl. 

But  Gerald  had  no  tini''  to  answer  him — .Scarcely  liad  the  iiam;^  escaped 
the  lips  of  tlu;  incautious  Jackson,  when  a  yell  of  e.xi'.Uation  from  tiic  wood- 
man  drew  him  (piickly  to  his  ft;et,  and  in  tlio  next  inoniLMit  he  felt  one  hand 
of  his  enemy  p;rapiiii,r  at  his  throat,  while  the  liuj^ors  of  the  other  wcri;  rajiidly 
insinnatinj^  themselves  into  the  hair  that  shadowed  one  of  his  temples,  with 
the  evident  intention  to  "•  poii;»o"  hun.  Weak  and  emaciated  as  ho  was,  Oorald 
was  soon  made  seiisihic  of  the  disproportion  of  physical  stivnj^th  thus  suddenly 
brou,:,jht  into  the  struj;i;le,  and  as  tho  sav.i;;o  lau;;h  of  the  man.  as  his  rni2;er« 
wound  themselves  closer  aivl  closer  wiLliin  the  clusteriii!;  hair,  proclaim.'d  his 
advantaj^e,  he  folt  that  his  only  ch.inceuf  savin;^  the  threatened  eye  w.is  hy 
having  recourse  to  .some  sndilen  and  despjrate  attemjit  to  free  himself  from  liio 
gripe  of  his  opponent.  Summoniii'^  all  his  strength  into  one  viijrorous  ellbrt, 
ho  ruslied  forward  upon  his  enemy  with  such  force,  raising  himself  at  llusamo 
time  in  a  manner  t,*  throw  the  whole  weight  of  his  person  upon  him.  that  tho 
latter  reeled  backwards  several  paces  without  tlio  power  of  resistonce,  and 
falling  over  the  table  towards  which  he  had  been  intentionally  propelled,  sank 
with  a  heavy  crash  to  tlie  floor,  still  however  retaining  his  firm  liold  of  his 
enemy,  and  dragging  him  after  him. 

Half  trottlerl,  maddened  with  pain,  and  even  more  bitterly  stung  l»y  a  sensy 
of  the  humiliating  position  in  which  he  found  himself,  the  feelings  of  Gerald 
became  uncontrolahle,  until  his  an.xiety  to  inllict  a  mortal  injury  upon  his 
enemy  became  in  the  end  as  intense  as  that  of  tlie  settler.  In  their  fall  t!io 
tabic  had  been  overtiirneil.  and  with  it  the  knife  which  Deshoiough  had  used 
with  his  horriil  repast.  As  the  light  from  the  blazing  fb'e  fell  upon  the  blade, 
it  had  once  caught  the  unassailed  eyo  of  th(!  officer,  and  was  thi;n"xt  moiuent 
clutched  in  his  grasp,  lie  r.ii'sod  it  with  a  determination,  inspired  by  the 
agony  lie  endured,  at  once  to  liberate  himself  and  to  avenge  his  fathers  UiU,- 
<ler,  but  the  idea  that  there  was  sometliinLrassasssin-Iike  in  the  act  assudd(.nlv 
arrested  him.  and  ere  he  had  time  to  obo}'  a  fresh  impul.se  of  his  agony.  1110 
knife  was  forcibly  stricken  from  his  hand.  A  laugh  of  triumph  burst  f-om 
tho  lips  of  the  half  inti.txiciited  Desborough,  but  it  was  .scarc;!ly  ulueiod  bef.jre 
it  was  succeeded  by  a  yell  of  pain,  and  the  hand  that  had  contrived  to  entwine 
jtself,  with  resistless  force  and  terrible  intent,  in  the  waving  hair  of  the  youth, 
fell  suddenly  from  its  grasp,  enabling  its  victim  at  length  to  free  him-;elf  alto- 
gether and  start  once  more  to  his  feet. 

Little  more  than  a  minute  had  been  passed  in  the  enactment  of  this  strange 
scone.  The  collision,  the  overthrow,  the  upraising  of  the  knife  had  followed 
each  other  m  such  ra[»id  succession  that,  until  the  last  despeiate  intention  of 
Gerald  was  ftained,  the  Aid-de-camp  had  not  had  time  to  interpose  himself  in 
any  way  between  tho  enraged  combatants.  Ilis  first  action  had  been  to  strike 
away  the  niurdfrons  knife  with  the  heavy  butt  of  one  of  his  pistols,  the  other 
to  plant  such  a  dow  upon  the  "jjouging"  Imnd  of  tho  settler  from  the  .same 


t'S9 


MATILDA     MONTOOMKRIE;    OR, 


Initt,  fts  olTectnnlly  to  compol  him  to  relinquish  his  furocious  clutch.     lu  hoth 
ol)joctM,  US  we  have  .seen,  he  fully  .siificecileil. 

Hill  ftlthoii;^h  his  ri'^ht  hiiiid  hful  heon  utterly  disahlocl  by  the  hlow  from 
Jackson's  [listol,  the  fury  of  I)osl)orou>j;h,  fud  as  it  was  by  the  fumes  of  tlio 
liquor  he  had  swallowed,  wna  ton  ^I'l^fit  to  render  him  hcetlfiil  of  nui^htbut  the 
pratinoatiou  of  liis  vengeance.  Uullinj:  rajjidly  over  to  the  point  where  the 
Knife  hml  fallen  he  secured  it  in  his  left  hand,  nn  .  th(M».  lcapin{;  nimbly  to  his 
feet,  Ruthcred  himself  into  a  sprinyj  u])on  his  unarmed  but  watchful  enemy. 
15ut  itefore  the  bound  could  be  laki'n,  tlic  aetive  Aid-de-camp,  coverin;^  Gerald 
with  his  body  and  presenting  n  cocked  pistol,  had  again  thwarted  him  in  his 
n  ten  lion. 

•'  I  say  now,  old  cock,  you'd  much  better  be  quiot  T  pucss,  for  them  sort  of 
tantrums  won't  .siiit  me.  If  this  here  Liftenant  killed  your  son  why  he'll 
answer  for  it  later,  but  I  can't  let  you  murder  my  prisoner  in  that  flumgusti- 
ous  manner.  I'm  responsible  for  him  to  the  United  States  Government, 
therefore  just  drop  that  knife  chsan  and  slick  upoi;  the  lloor,  and  let's  have  no 
more  of  this  nonsense  f)r  th)  nii^ht." 

Hut  even  the  cocked  pistol  had  not  power  to  restrain  the  fierce — almost 
brutal — ra^C!  of  the  svoudman,  whose  growing  intoxication  added  fuel  to  tho 
fire  whicli  the  prcsenci;  of  his  enemy  had  kindled  in  his  heart.  Heedless  of 
the  determined  air  and  threatening  posture  of  the  Aid-de-cainp,  he  made  a 
bound  forward,  utterin^j;  a  sound  that  resemble(I  tiie  roar  of  a  wild  beast 
rather  than  the  cry  of  a  humin  beini;.  and  struck  over  Jackson's  shoulder  at 
the  cAic^t  of  the  ofliccr.  Gerald,  whose  watchful  eye  markeil  the  danger,  had 
liowcver  time  to  step  back  and  avoid  the  blow.  In  the  next  moment  the  Aid- 
de-cam[).  overborne  by  the  violence  of  tho  collision,  fell  heavily  backwards 
upon  the  'ude  floor,  and  in  the  fall  the  pisfol  Vreut  off  lodginji;  the  I)all  in  the 
sinewy  calf  of  Desborough's  ]v<^.  Stung  with  acute  animal  pain,  tho  whole 
raa,"'  of  the  latter  was  now  divertcil  from  Gerald  to  the  aid-de-camp,  on  whom, 
ftssmnin;;  the  wound  to  have  been  intentional,  he  threw  himself  with  the  fury 
of  a  tiu:er,  grapplinj:;  as  he  closed  with  him  at  his  throat.  Hut  flu;  sailor,  in  his 
turn,  now  came  to  the  rescue  of  his  companion,  and  the  scene  for  some  time, 
r.s  the  whole  party  struggled  together  upon  the  door  in  the  broad,  red  glaro 
of  the  wood  fire,  was  one  of  fearful  and  (lesperate  character.  At  length,  after 
an  immense  ellbrt,  and  amid  the  most  horrid  imprecations  of  vengeance  upoa 
them,  the  olTicers  succeeded  in  disarming  and  tying  the  liands  of  the  settler 
qehind  his  b.'ick,  after  which,  dragging  him  to  a  distant  corner  of  f  lie  hut,  they 
secured  him  firmly  to  one  of  the  open  ami  mis-shapen  logs  which  composed 
its  frame.  This  done.  .Jackson  divided  the  little  tiiat  liad  been  left  of  his 
"  Wabash"  with  his  charge,  and  tlicn  stretching  himself  at  his  length,  with 
}iis  feet  to  the  fire  and  his  sa<Mle  for  a  pillow,  soon  fell  profoundly  asleep. 

Too  much  agitated  by  the  scene  which  had  just  passed.  Gerald,  although 
following  the  example  of  his  companion  in  slretcliing  himself  before  the  cheer- 
ful fire,  was  in  no  condition  to  enjo}'  repose.  Indeed,  whatever  his  inclination, 
tho  atteni[)t  would  have  been  vain,  fur  so  dreadful  were  the  denunciations  of 
Desborou^h  Ihroughoiit  the  night,  that  sleep  bad  "  room  to  enter  even  into 
his  thoughts.  Deep  and  appalling  were  the  'urses  .m..  thr -ats  of  vengeanco 
which  the  enraged  settler  uttered  npni  "  ,  r\o  bore  the  name  of  Grantham  j 
anil  with  these  were  mingled  lann  i'm-  his  son    -scarcely  less  revolting 

in  their  import  than   the  cur.ses  t  oives.     Nor  \v      rhe  turbulence  of  the 

enraged  man  confined  to  mereexcit  ut  of  hu'ruage.  Ifis  large  and  muscular 
fcumi  struggled  in  every  direction  tu  h  hit  'If  from  the  cords  that  secured 
him  to  the  logs,  and  finding  these  too  firnil}  Mund  to  admit  of  the  accomplish- 
ment of  his  end,  he  kicked  his  brawny  feet  against  the  floor  with  a"  the  fury 
and  imi)atiencc  of  a  s[)irit,  quickened  into  a  livelier  .sense  of  rcstr  t  by  the 
stimulus  of  intoxication.  At  length,  exiiausteil  by  the  efforts  lie  had  made,  his 
snuggles  and  his  imprecations  became  gradually  less  frequent  and  less  vigor- 
ous, until  finally  towards  dawn  theycea.sed  altogether,  and  his  deep  and  heavy 
brc'itliing  announced  that  he  slept. 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED 


IbO 


in  his 


ilh,  with 


ATustomc'l  to  rise  with  tho  dawn,  tlio  Ai'lo-do-ramp  wns  not  1«npj  aflor  itn 
m  I  pen  111  11  CO  in  shal<iiif;  oll'tlio  slnmlnT  in  which  he  liiul  so  profoinrily  irnhjliji'd. 
Tho  first  ohjcct  that  mot  lii.s  t'vc  as  ho  raised  himself  up  in  a  sitlinp  posture 
from  his  rmlo  lied,  was  CJi'raid  stoopin;»  over  tlie  slcopiii'^  Dcshoroiinh,  ono 
hand  rcstinp;  upon  his  chest,  tho  other  i  ^Idinaj  tlie  knife  already  aiindod  to, 
wliile  every  feature  of  hisfaco  was  I<indied  into  lonthiii),'  and  ahhorreiiee  of  lii.s 
prostrat(>  and  .sU'epino;  enemy.  StartU>d  hy  tlie  expression  lie  read  there,  nn<l 
with  the  occurrennes  of  tho  last  nij;ht  rushinj;  foroihly  upon  his  memory,  tho 
Aide-de-camp  called  cpiickly  out : 

"  Hold,  liiftenant  Grantham.  Well,  as  I'm  ft  truo  Tonnessoo  man,  hred  and 
horn,  may  I  ho  most  especially  il — il.  if  I'd  a  thouglit  you'd  do  so  foul  a  deed. 
What!  assassinate  a  sleepin<jj  dninkcn  man?" 

'•  Assassinate,  Captain  Jackson  ?"  repeated  Gerald,  raisin*  himself  to  his 
full  hei<?ht,  while  a  crimson  flush  of  indij^natiou  Huccucded  to  tho  deadly  pale- 
ness wiiich  had  overspread  his  cheek. 

'"Yes — assassinate!"  retiu'ned  the  Aide-de-camp,  fixinjj;  his  eye  upon  that 
of  his  prisoner,  yet  without  perci'ivinii-  that  it  qiiiiiled  under  his  jKMielratin<; 
plance ;  "  It's  an  ugly  word.  I  reckon,  for  you  to  hear,  as  it  is  for  tho  to  speak, 
hut  your  quarrel  last  nij;lit — ^^\'our  tlx  just  now— that  knife — LifLeiiaut  Gran 
thani,"  and  he  pointed  to  the  hlade  whicih  still  remained  in  the  hands  of  tho 
accused — 'surely  these  things  .speak  for  themselves  ;  and  though  the  fellow 
lias  swallowed  off  all  my  VVahash.  and  he  d — d  to  him,  still  I  shouldn't  liko 
to  see  him  murdered  in  that  sort  of  way." 

"I  cannot  hiame  you,  Captain  Jackson,"  said  Gerald  calmly,  his  features 
resuming  their  pallid  hue.  "These  appearances.  I  grant,  might  justify  the 
suspicion,  liorrihle  as  it  is,  in  ono  who  had  known  more  of  me  than  yourself 
hut  was  assassination  even  a  virtue,  worlds  would  not  tempt  me  to  assassinate 
that  man — wretch  though  ho  be — or  even  to  slay  liim  in  fair  und  open 
combat." 

"  Then  T  calculate  one  night  has  made  a  pretty  considerable  cliange  in  your 
feelings,  Lii'tenant,"  retorted  the  Aide-de-camp.  "  You  were  both  ready 
enough  to  go  at  it  last  night,  when  I  knocked  the  knife  out  of  your  fist,  and 
broke  the  knuckles  of  his  gouging  liatid." 

'•  I  confess,"  said  Gerald,  again  coloring,  "  that  excessive  pain  made  me  wild, 
and  I  .should  have  been  tempted  to  have  had  recourse  to  any  means  to  thwart 
h'^m  in  his  diabolical  jiurpose.  As  you  have  said,  however,  tlie  past  night  has 
cnected  a  change  in  my  feelings  towards  tho  man,  and  deiith  from  my  hand, 
under  any  circumstances,  is  the  last  thing  ho  has  now  to  apprehend."  Gerald 
sank  his  heail  upon  his  chest,  and  sighed  bitterly. 

'•  Well,"  said  Jackson,  '■  all  this  is  queer  enough  ;  but  what  wers  you 
doing  standing  over  tho  man  just  now  with  that  knife,  if  it  was  not  to  liarm 
him  ?  And  as  for  your  countenance,  it  scowled  .so  savage  and  pas.sionate,  I 
was  almost  afraid  to  look  at  it  myself." 

"  My  motive  lor  the  action  I  must  beg  you  to  excuse  my  entering  upon," 
replied  Gerald.  "  Of  this,  however,  bo  assured,  Captain  Jackson,  that  I  liad 
no  intention  to  injure  yon  sleeping  villain.  On  the  word  of  an  oilicer  and  a 
gentleman,  and  by  the  kindness  you  have  shown  mo  on  all  occasions  .since  our 
journey  commenced,  do  I  solemnly  assure  you  this  is  the  fact." 

'•  And  on  the  word  of  an  ofliccr,  and  a  tr*ie  Tennessee  man.  bred  and  born, 
1  am  bound  to  believe  you."  returned  tho  American,  much  atl'ected.  "  A  man 
that  could  fight  so  wickedly  in  the  Held  would  never  find  lieart.  I  reckon,  to 
stick  an  enemy  in  the  dark.  No,  JJflenant  (irantham,  3'ou  were  not  born 
to  be  an  as.sassin.     And  now  let's  bo  starting — tho  day  has  already  broke.'' 

"  And  yet."  returned  Gerald,  with  a  smile  of  bitter  melancholy,  as  tl^y  hur- 
ried towards  the  spot  where  they  had  left  their  horses,  ''  if  any  man  ever  had 
reason  to  act  so  as  to  merit  the  imputation  of  being  such,  I  have.  In  that 
savage  woodsman,  Captain  Jackson,  you  have  beheld  the  murderer — the  sclf- 
icknowledged  murderer  of  my  fathei-.'" 

'•  God  bless  my  soul !"  cried  Jackat'a  droppi";  the  saddle  which  he  carried^ 


too 


MATILDA     MONTOOMKIMK:    OR, 


and  stnnilin?  still  witli  vory  nmazntnont.     "  A  pri'tty  fix  T'vo  got  into,  to  bt 
*F.tirc.     Hero's  one  man  aociisos  iiiiotiior  ftf  nninlcriii.ir  his  son,  luul  t'other,  bjr 
way  of  (jiiifs  nci-nses  him,  in  his  li.rn,  of  murdorinj;  his  futlier.     Why,  which 
am  I  to  bi'hcvc  ?" 

"  Whicli  you  plonsp,  Cnptftin  Jacl\s:^n."  finid  the  sailor  coolly,  yet  paincdly  ; 
and  he  move''.  •'>r\v;vvd  in  pursuit  c' his  liorse. 

"  Xiiy,  liifteniuit  frrantlKim,"  said  the  x\id-de-carap,  whohad  n^nin  resumed 
his  hunlen,  and  was  speedily  at  the  side  of  his  companion,  "don't  l)e  ollended. 
I've  no  doubt  the  tliin.uj's  as  you  s,iy  ;  but  you  must  make  allownnco  for  my 
ideas,  never  too  much  of  the  briii;htest,  bein;;;  conj;lomerated,  after  a  fashion, 
by  wiiat  T  have  seen  and  heard,  since  we  let  loose  our  horses  last  night  upon 
this  prairie." 

"  T  am  not  olfended,  only  hurt,"  replied  Gerald,  shakinj;  the  hand  that  was 
cordiallv  tendered  to  him,  "hurt,  that  you  should  doubt  iity  word,  or  attach 
anytliino;  to  the  assertion  of  that  man  beyond  the  mere  ravm^s  of  a  savago 
and  diseased  sy)irit.  Justice  to  my.sclf  demands  that  I  should  explaiii  evcry- 
thinir  in  detail." 

"  Now,  that's  what  T  call  all  right  and  proper."  returned  the  Aide-do-cnmp. 
"  and  should  be  done,  both  for  your  sake  and  mine  ;  but  we  will  leave  it  till 
we  get  once  7iiore  u|)on  the  .'oad  and  in  sight  of  a  tavern,  for  it's  dry  work 
talking  and  li-tening  without  even  so  much  as  a  gum  tickler  of  the  Waba.sh  to 
moisten  o'lo's  clay."  , 

They  r^  nid  their  horses  not  far  from  the  spot  where  they  had  boon  left  on 
the  preco Jing  night,  and  these  being  speedily  untethere<l  and  saddled,  the  tra- 
vellers'ivuin  pursued  their  route  towards  the  capital  of  the  state  in  which  they 
found  tiicmselvcs.  As  they  passed  the  hut  which  had  been  the  scene  of  so 
much  '.JA-citement  to  both,  the  voice  o^  Desborough,  whom  they  had  lefl  fast 
as'.eepwas  heard  venting  curses  and  iuiprecations  upon  them  both,  for  having 
left  Inm  there  to  starve,  bound  and  >)*capablo  ofaiiling  himself.  Wretch  as  the 
settler  was,  (Jeraid  could  not  reconcile  to  himself  the  thought  of  his  being  left 
lo  pen:-h  thus  miserably,  and  he  entreated  the  :\id-(le-camp  to  enter  and  (iivido 
the  cords.  But  Jackson  d.ecl;>r"d  this  to  be  imjiolitic.  urging  as  a  powerful 
reason  for  declining,  the  prebubility  of  his  having  fire-arms  in  the  hut,  with 
which  (if  released)  h  '-.i'^ht  follow  and  overtake  them  in  their  route,  and  sa- 
crifice one  or  the  •••'  to  h'h%  vengeance — an  ol)ject  which  it  would  be  easy  to 
accomplish  wit.  l  h's  ever  being  detected.  However,  that  the  villain  miglit 
have  sustenance  unt'l  rtome  chance  traveller  should  come  later  to  hisassistance, 
or  he  could  manag?  to  gvt  rid  of  his  .londs  himself,  he  consented  to  place  withi,-: 
his  reach  all  the  drie(i  meat  that  had  been  left  of  his  Indian  foes,  together  with 
n  pail  of  water — the  latter  by  way  of  pmiishmcnt  for  having  swilled  away  at 
his  Wabash  in  the  ungracious  maimer  he  had. 

While  Jackson  was  busied  in  this  office  of  questionable  charity,  the  rngo 
and  disappointment  of  the  settler  .surpp.ssed  what  it  had  hitherto  been.  Each 
vein  of  his  daik  brow  lose  distinctly  and  swelling  from  its  surface,  and  he 
kicked  and  stamped  with  a  fury  that  proelaimed  the  bitter  tempest  raging  in 
his  soul.  When  the  Aide-de-camp  had  a.'iain  mounted,  his  shrieks  and  exe- 
crations became  pit  rcinj.r,  and  for  many  minutes  after  they  had  entered  into 
the  heart  of  the  forest  in  which  the  hut  was  situated,  the  .shrill  sounds  conti- 
inied  to  ring  npon  their  ears  in  accents  so  fearful,  that  each  felt  a  sensible  reliiif 
wlien  they  were  heard  no  more. 

On  the  evening  of  the  third  day  after  this  event.  Jack.son  and  our  hero,  be 
tween  whom  a  long  explanation  on  the  subject  of  the  settler  had  taken  jilace, 
aliglile<l  ut  thedjor  of  the  principal  inn  in  Frankfort,  the  capital  of  Kentucky, 
which  was  their  ultimate  destination.  To  mine  host  Gerald  was  introduced 
by  his  escort  with  the  formality  usual  on  fuch  occasions  in  America,  and  with 
the  earnest  recommendation  to  that  most  respectable  personage,  that,  as  his 
own  friend,  as  well  as  that  of  Captain  Forrester,  every  indulgence  should  be 
she  wa  to  the  prisoner  that  was  not  inconsistent  with  his  position. 


THE    PROPHECY     FVLFILLED. 


101 


Cn AFTER   XXVT. 


and  exo- 

?rc'(l  into 

(Is  conti- 

)lc  relii;f 

loro,  1)0 
en  ])liicc, 
entiaky, 
troiiiK'o<l 
md  with 
t.  as  his 
hould  be 


Few  sitnations  in  life  are  loss  enviahlc  than  tliat  of  thn  isolated  prisoner  of 
war.  Far  from  tho  home  of  his  aflVctions,  and  coini)fllod  by  tin;  absence  of 
all  other  coinimnionship,  to  mix  with  those  wiio,  in  manners,  feelings,  and 
national  characteristics,  form,  as  it  were,  a  raco  apart  from  himself,  his  recol- 
lections, already  sufliciently  embittered  by  the  doprcssin'i  sense  of  cai)tivity. 
are  hourly  awakened  by  some  rude  contrast  woundinp;  to  his  sensibilities,  and 
even  thonph  no  source  of  graver  irritation  should  exist,  a  thousand  petty  an- 
noyances, incident  to  tho  position,  are  ma;_^nified  by  cha'jjrin  from  mole-hilla 
into  mountains.  Such,  however,  would  b(!  tiic  eH'ix;t  produced  on  one  only, 
who,  thrown  by  the  accident  of  war  into  tho  situation  of  a  captive,  shouM 
have  no  grief  more  profound,  no  sorrow  deeper  .seated,  than  what  aiose  from 
the  bein,!^  severed  from  old,  and  associated  with  new  and  >n\  lesirod  ties — ono 
to  whom  life  was  full  of  the  fairest  buds  ofpromi.se,  and  whose  impatience  of 
the  present  was  only  a  burning  desire  to  enter  upon  the  future.  Not  so  with 
Gerald  Grantham.  Time,  place,  circumstance,  condition,  were  alike  the  .'^amo 
— alike  miiifferent  to  him.  In  the  recollection  of  the  scenes  ho  h;ul  so  lately 
quitted,  and  in  which  his  fairer  and  unrulfled  b(»yhoo  1  had  been  passed,  h« 
took  no  pleasm'e — while  the  fuMire  was  so  enshrouded  in  gloom,  that  h« 
shrank  from  its  very  contemplation.  So  far  from  trying  to  wring  consolation 
from  circumstances,  his  object  was  to  stupify  recollection  to  the  nttermost, 
lie  would  fain  have  shut  out  both  tVic  past  and  the  future,  contenting  himself 
us  he  might  with  the  present ;  but  the  thing  was  impossible.  The  worm  had 
iiaten  into  his  heart,  and  its  gnawings  weie  too  painful,  not  poignantly  to 
remind  him  of  the  manner  in  which  it  had  been  engendered. 

Upwards  of  a  fortnight  had  elapsed  since  his  arrival,  and  yet,  although 
Oaptain  Jackson,  i)rior  to  his  return  to  Sandusky,  had  personally  introduced 
him  to  many  highly  respectable  families  in  Frankfort,  he  uniformly  abstained 
from  cultivating  their  acquaiirtance,  until  at  length  he  was,  naturally  enougb. 
pronounced  to  be  a  most  disagreealilc  specinien  of  a  British  officer.  Even 
with  the  inmates  of  the  hotel,  many  of  whom  were  oHiccrs  of  his  own  age, 
and  with  whom  he  constantly  sat  down  to  the  ordinary,  ho  avoided  every- 
thing approaching  to  intimacy — .satisfying  hini.self  merely  with  di.vcharging 
his  sh.are  of  the  commonest  courtesies  of  life.  They  thought  it  pride: — it  wan 
but  an  ellect — an  irremediable  effect — of  the  utter  sinking  of  his  .sad  and  luoken 
Kpirit.  The  only  distraction  in  which  ho  eventually  took  plea.sure,  or  .sought 
to  indulge,  was  rambling  through  the  wild  pas.ses  of  the  chain  of  wooded  hill;< 
which  almost  encircles  the  capital  of  Kentucky,  and  extends  to  a  consideraSIo 
distalice  in  a  westerly  direction.  TI»o  dense  gloom  of  the.so  narrow  valleys  ho 
had  reniarkeil  on  his  entrance  by  the  same  route,  and  feeling  them  more  in 
unison  with  his  sick  mind  than  the  hum  and  bustle  of  a  city,  wliich  offered 
nothing  in  common  with  his  sympathies,  he  now  frequently  passed  a  great 
portion  of  the  day  in  threading  their  mazes — returning,  however,  at  a  certain 
hour  to  his  hotel,  conformably  with  the  term-!  of  his  parole. 

On  one  occasion,  tempted  by  the  mellow  beauty  of  the  .season — it  was  now 
the  beginning  of  October — he  had  strayed  so  far.  and  through  passes  so  un- 
known to  him,  that  when  the  fast  advancing  evening  warned  him  of  the  no- 
ctissity  of  returning,  lie  foimd  he  hi-d  utterly  h)st  his  way.  Abstracted  as  h« 
usually  was,  ho  had  yet  reflection  enough  to  understand  that  his  parole  of 
honor  required  ho  should  be  at  his  hotel  at  an  hour  which  it  would  put  hia 
Bpred  to  the  proof  to  accomplish.  Despairing  of  finding  his  way  by  tho  cir- 
cuitous route  he  had  originally  taken,  and  the  proper  clue  to  which  he  had 
moreover  lost,  he  determined,  familiar  as  he  was  with  the  general  bearings  of 
tiie  capital,  to  otfect  his  return  in  a  direct  line  acro.s*;  the  chain  of  hills  already 
alludeil  to.  Tho  deepening  shadow.s  of  the  wild  scene.  a«  he  proposed  to  as* 
fiend  that  immediately  before  him,  told  that  tlie  sun  had  sunk  beneath  (h« 

11 


102 


MATILDA     MONTGOMBRIR.     OK, 


horizon.  aiiJ  when  he  gainofl  its  summit,  the  last  faint  conniscation?  nf  lic;h» 
were  passint^  rapidly  away  in  the  west.  Still,  by  the  in'listinct  t\vili,i;ht,  he 
rould  porcoive  that  at  his  feet  lay  a  small  valley.,  completely  homincd  in  by 
the  circular  ridge  oti  which  he  stood.  This  traversed,  it  was  but  to  ascend  the 
opposite  section  of  the  ridge,  and  hia  destination  would  be  (gained.  Unliko 
|tl)e  narrow,  rocky  pas.ses  which  divided  the  hilh  in  every  other  direction  ni 
Which  he  had  previously  wandered,  this  valley  wa.s  covered  with  a  luxm'iant 
verdure,  and  upon  this  the  fjct  of  (Jenild  moved  inaiidibly  even  to  himself 
As  he  advanced  more  into  thor  centre  of  the  little  plain,  he  thought  he  could 
perceive,  at  its  extremity  on  the  right,  the  dark  outline  of  a  building — appa 
rcntly  a  dwelling-house;  and  while  lie  yet  hesitated  whether  he  should  ap 
proach  it  and  inquire  his  most  direct  way  to  the  town,  a  light  suddenly  ap 
peared  at  that  point  of  the  valley  for  which  he  was  already  making.  A  few 
minutes  sudieed  to  bring  him  to  the  spot  whence  the  light  had  issued.  It 
was  a  small,  circular  building,  possibly  intended  for  a  summer-house,  but  more 
resembling  a  temple  in  its  construction,  and  .so  closcl}'  bordering  upon  the 
forest  riilge,  by  a  portion  of  the  foliage  by  which  it  had  previously  been  con- 
cealed, as  to  l)e  almost  confounded  with  it.  It  was  furni.shcd  with  a  singlo 
wmdow,  the  same  through  which  the  light  now  issued,  and  this,  narrow,  elon- 
gated, and  studded  with  iron  bars,  was  so  placed  as  to  prevent  one  even  taller 
than  our  hero  from  gazing  into  the  interior,  without  the  aid  of  some  elevation. 
But  Gerald,  independently  of  his  anxiety  to  reach  the  town  in  time  to  pre- 
vent comment  upon  his  absence,  had  no  desire  to  occupy  himself  with  subjects 
foreign  to  his  object.  Curiosity  was  a  feeling  dead  within  his  bosom,  and  ho 
Was  preparing,  without  once  staying  his  course,  to  ascend  the  riiige  at  the  side 
of  the  temple,  when  he  fiincied  he  heard  u  suppressed  grorai,  as  of  one  sufier- 
ing  from  intense  agony.  Not  the  groan,  but  the  peculiar  tone  in  which  it  was 
uttered,  arrested  his  attention,  and  excited  a  vague  yet  stirring  interest  m  his 
breast.  Oil  a]>proaching  closer  to  the  temple,  he  fo'.'.jid  that  at  its  immediate 
basement  the  earth  had  been  thrown  up  into  a  sort  of  mound,  which  so  ele- 
vated the  footing  as  to  admit  of  his  reaching  the  bars  of  the  window  with  his 
hands.  Active  as  we  have  elsewhere  slio  vn  him  to  be,  he  was  not  long  in 
obtaining  a  full  view  of  liie  interior,  when  a  sci'nc  met  his  eye  which  riveted 
him,  as  well  it  might,  in  utter  astonishment.  Upon  the  rude,  uncarpeted 
floor  knelt  a  female,  who,  with  clasped  and  uplifted  hands,  had  her  cyin  lixed 
upon  a  portrait  that  hung  suspended  from  the  opposite  wall — her  figure,  clad 
in  a  loose  robe  of  black,  developing  by  its  attitude  a  contour  of  such  rich  and 
Rymmetrical  proportion  as  might  be  difficult  for  the  imagination  to  embody. 
And  who  was  the  being  upon  wliom  his  each  excited  sense  now  lingered  with 
an  admiratian  little  short  of  idolatry  7  One  wh.om.  a  moment  before,  he  be- 
lieved to  be  still  far  distant,  whom  he  had  only  a  f'^w  months  previously  lied 
from  as  from  a  pestilence,  and  whom  he  had  solemnly  sworn  never  to  bchoM 
a>;;ain — yet  whom  he  continued  to  love  with  a  passion  that  delied  evtjry  effort 
of  his  judgment  to  subdue,  making  his  life  a  wilderness— Matilda  Montgom- 
crie  !  and  if  her  be;iuty  had  then  had  such  surpassing  influence  over  his  soul, 
what  was  not  its  elfoct  when  he  beheld  her  noxo,  every  grace  of  womr.uUood 
exhibited  in  a  nrinner  to  excite  admiration  the  most  intense  ! 

It  would  be  vaivi  to  describe  all  that  passed  through  tin  mind  of  Ger.ald 
Grantham,  while  he  thus  gazed  ujjou  her  whose  beauty  was  the  rock  on  which 
his  happiness  had  been  wrecked,  Ilis  iirst  impulse  had  been  to  lly,  but  the 
fascination  which  riveted  him  to  the  window  deprived  him  of  all  power,  until 
eventually,  of  all  the  host  of  feelings  that  had  crowded  tumultuously  upon  his 
heart,  passion  alone  remained  triumi)bant.  Unable  longer  to  conticl  iiis  im- 
patience, he  was  on  the  point  of  quitting  his  station,  for  the  purpose  of  knock- 
ing and  obtaining  admission  by  a  door  which  he  8aw  opposite  to  him,  v/hen  a 
sudden  change  in  the  attitude  of  Matilda  arrested  the  movement. 

She  had  risen,  and  with  her  long  and  dark  hair  lioating  over  her  whito 
nhoulders,  now  a<ivanced  toward"?  the  portrait,  on  which  her  gaze  had  hitherto 
V«eu  so  repea*^edly  turned.     Thi.s  was  so  placed  that  Gerald  had  not  pi"©- 


t\vili,^!it.  he 
iniuL'd  in  by 

0  ascon<l  the 
led.  Unliko 
direction  m 

a  iiixiiriant 

1  to  hiinsdf 
jht  he  could 
Idins — appa 
c  should  ap 
iuddenly  ap 
inq;.     A  few 

issued.  It 
se,  hut  inoro 
v^  upon  tlio 
;ly  been  con- 
,vitl)  a  singlo 
larrow,  elon- 
e  even  taller 
r.o  elevation, 
time  to  pre- 
vith  subjects 
)soin,  and  ho 
;e  at  the  side 
)f  one  sufier- 
which  it  was 
Uerest  in  his 
ts  immediate 
ivhioh  so  cie- 
low  witli  his 

not  lonf»  in 
Inch  riveted 

uncarpeted 
cr  cytfi  li.ved 

figure,  clad 
uch  rich  and 

to  embody. 

ngered  with 
>efore,  lie  be- 
er iously  fled 
er  to  behold 

every  effort 

I  Montgom- 

vcr  his  soul, 

woni:mbood 

d  of  Gerald 

)ck  on  vrbiil* 

lly,  but  the 

power,  until 

y  upon  his 
nil  el  liis  iin- 

0  of  i-iuock- 
liim,  v/heu  a 

r  her  whito 
had  liitherto 
lal  not  pi*o- 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


i6a 


rfpusly  an  opportunity  of  remarking  more  than  the  indistnct  outline,  which 
proved  it  to  represent  a  human  figure  ;  but  as  she  for  a  moment  raised  the  light 
with  one  hand,  while  with  the  other  she  covered  it  with  a  veil  which  had  been 
drawn  aside,  he  distinctly  saw  that  it  was  the  portrait  of  an  officer  dressed  in 
the  American  uniform ;  and  it  even  occurred  to  him  that  he  had  before  seen 
the  face,  although,  irt  his  then  excited  state  he  could  not  recollect  whera, ., 
Kven  had  he  been  inclined  to  tax  his  memory,  the  effort  would  have  been  iuw^ 
pi'acticable.  for  another  direction  was  now  given  to  his  interest.  i 

On  the  left  and  close  under  the  window,  stood  a  rude  sofa  and  ruder  Uibt4( 
the  only  pieces  of  furniture  wjjich  Gerald  could  observe  within  the  tcmpldi  : 
Upon  the  former  Matilda  had  now  reclined  herself,  and  placing  the  candle  upon 
the  table  at  her  side,  proceeded  to  unfold  and  peruse  a  letter  which  she  had 
previously  taken  fronl  her  pocket  book.  The  same  unconsciousness  of  obscr-»f 
vation  inducing  the  same  uustudiedness  of  action,  the  whole  disposition  of  the- 
form  bore  a  character  of  voluptuousness,  which  the  presuirted  isolation  of  her 
who  thus  cxhibtcd  herself,  a  model  of  living  grace,  alone  could  justify.  But 
although  the  form  was  full  of  the  eloquence  of  passion,  one  had  but  to  turn 
to  the  pale  and  .severe  face,  to  find  th<n'e  was  no  corresponding  expression  in 
the  heart.  As  heretofore,  the  brow  of  the  Amori(\an  wore  a  cast  of  thought — 
only  deeper,  more  decided — and  even  while  her  dark  eyes  llivshed  fire,  as  if  in 
disappoint.nent  and  anger  at  sundry  passages  in  the  letter  over  which  she  lin- 
gered, not  once  did  the  slightest  color  tinge  her  cheek,  or  the  gloom  dissipate 
itself  from  that  cold  brow.  Emotion  she  felt,  for  this  lier  heaving  bosom  and 
occasionally  compressed  lip  betokened.  Yet  never  was  contrast  more  marked 
than  that  bi'Lween  the  person  and  the  face  of  Matilda  Montgomerie,  as  Gerald 
Grantham  then  beheld  her. 

On  one  who  had  seen  her  thus  for  the  first  time,  the  cold,  calm  counten- 
ance of  the  singular  girl,  would  have  acted  as  a  chastenor  to  the  emotion^ 
called  up  by  ihe  glowing  expression  of  her  faultless  form,  but  although  theri 
was  now  a  churaeter  of  severity  on  her  features,  which  must  have  checke<l  and 
chilled  the  ardent  admiration  produced  by  that  form  on  a  mere  strangefi 
Gerald  but  too  well  remevnbered  occasions  when  tlie  harmony  of  both  had 
been  complete,  and  when  the  countenance,  rich  in  all  those  fas«ination.s,  which, 
even  in  her  hours  of  utmost  collectedness,  never  ceased  to  attach  to  the  person^ 
had  beamed  upon  him  in  a  manner  to  stir  his  very  .soul  into  madness.  There 
were  other  and  later  recollections  too.  that  forced  tliemselves  upon  his  memory! 
but  tlu'so.  even  though  they  recalled  scenes  in  wjiich  the  voluptuous  beauty 
of  Matilda  shone  paramount,  were  as  blots  upoii  the  fair  picture  of  the  past, 
a.nd  he  fain  would  have  banished  them  from  his  Uiind  for  ever. 

The  letter  on  whi(;h  the  American  was  now  engage<l,  Grantham  had  rccog* 
nised,  fiom  its  fold  and  seal,  to  be  one  he  had  written  prior  to  parting  with 
her,  as  he  had  .siippo.sed  for  ever.  While  ho  was  yet  dwelling  on  this  singUf 
larity,  Matilda  threw  the  letter  upon  the  table  at  her  side,  and  leaning  lier 
head  upon  her  hand,  seemed  as  if  musing  deeply  upon  its  contents.  The  con- 
traction of  her  brow  became  dee|)cr.  and  there  was  a  convulsfjd  pressure  of 
her  iips  as  of  one  forming  some  determination,  requiring  at  once  strong  moral 
and  physical  energy  to  accompli.sh.  A  cold  shudder  crept  through  the  vein? 
of  G(  raid,  for  too  well  did  he  fancy  ho  could  divine  what  w.as  pissing  in  the 
sou!  of  that  strnnge  yet  fa.scinating  woman.  For  a  moment  a  feeling  of  almost 
loathing  ciime  over  his  heart,  but  when,  in  the  next  moment,  he  saw  her  rise 
from  the  sofa,  revealing  the  most  inimitable  grace,  he  burned  with  impationce 
to  tlirosv  huuself,  reckless  of  consequences,  at  her  feet,  and  to  confess  hig 
idolatry. 

After  pacing  to  and  fro  for  some  moments,  her  dark  and  kindling  eye  alone 
betraying  tlie  excitement  which  her  colorless  cheek  denied,  Matilda  a;>nin  took 
U])  the  light,  .'ind  having  once  more  ajiprflached  the  portrait,  wiis  in  the  net  of' 
raising  t^ie  veil,  when  a  slight  noise  made  by  Gweld.  who  in  his  anxiety  to 
obtain  a  better  view  of  lier,  had  made  a  change  in  his  position,  arrested  hof 
«*/  i  and  she  turned  and  fl.\ed  her  eye  upon  the  window,  not  with  the  di»»- 


m 


MATILDA     MONTOC MER1R ;     OR, 


tnrbed  manne;  of  a  person  who  fuars  observation,  but  with  the  threatening  air 
of  one  who  would  punish  an  intrusion. 

■  Holding;  the  light  above  her  liead,  she  advanced  firmly  across  the  room,  and 
stopping  beneath  the  window,  fixed  her  e3'e  steadily  and  unslirinkinmly  upon 
It.  The  mind  of  Gerald  had  become  a  chaos  of  conflictinij:  and  Dpjmstte  feel- 
ings. Only  an  instant  before  and  he  vvotild  have  coveted  reco;,miti()n.  now  his 
tnxiety  was  to  avoid  it;  bnt  cramped  in  his  attitude,  ami  clni^rin;:;  as  he  was 
comneiled,  with  his  face  close  to  the  bars,  his  only  means  of  doinj;  so  was  by 
^uittino;  his  position  altO'^ether.  He  therefore  loosened  his  hold,  and  droj.peil 
himself  on  the  mound  of  earth  from  which  he  had  contrived  to  ascend,  but 
pot  .s6  noiselessly,  in  the  imbroken  stillness  of  the  ni-zht.  .is  to  escape  the  keen 
ear  of  the  American.  In  the  next  moment  Gerald  heard  a  door  open,  and  a 
well  known  voice  demand,  in  tones  which  betrayed  neither  aUrm  nor  indu- 
Wsion. 

.  "  Who  \h  there  ?» 

■  The  qncHtlon  was  repeated  in  echo  from  the  surrounding  woods,  and  then 
4ied  away  in  distance. 

"  Who  of  my  people,"  again  demanded  Matilda,  "  has  dared  to  follow  mo 
■here  in  defiance  of  my  orders  ?"  • 

Another  echo  of  indistinct  sonnd.s,  and  all  again  was  still. 
"  Whoever  you  are,  speak,"  resumed  the  courageous  girl.  "  Nay."  she  pur- 
sued mor«  decidedly,  as  having  moved  a  pace  or  two  from  the  door,  she  oli- 
iorved  a  human  firm  standing  motionless  beneath  the  windoiv.  '•  Think  not 
to  escape  me.  Come  hither  .slave  that  I  may  know  you.  This  curiosity  .sh-.iU 
test  you  dear." 

The  blood  of  Gerald  insensibly  chilled  at  tho  harsh  tone  in  which  those 
fTords  were  'uttei'ed,  and  had  he  followed  a  first  iinpnlsii  he  would  at  once 
!  Iiave  retired  from  the  influence  of  a  command,  which  undtT  all  t!ie  circum- 
stances, occurred  to  him  as  being  of  prophetic  import.     But  he  had  'jrazcd  on 
'the  witching  beauty  of  the  .syren,  until  judgment  and  reason  bad  yielded  the 
rein  to  pa-ssion,  and  filled  with  an  ungovernable  desire  to  behold  and  touch 
that  form  once  more — even  although  he  .should  the  next  moment  tear  himself 
from  it  for  ever*— he  approached  and  stood  at  the  entrance  of  the  temple,  tl-.o 
■  threshold  of  which  Matilda  had  again  ascended. 

No  exclamation  of  surprise  escaped  tho  lips  of  tho  ever-collected  American  ; 
*nd  yet,  for  the  first  time  that  night,  her  cheek  was  .suffused  with  a  deep  flow, 
the  effect  of  which  was  to  give  to  her  whole  stylo  of  beauty  a  cliaracter  of 
,  radiancv. 

"  Gerald  Grantham !" 

*' Yes.  Matilda,"  exclaimed  the  youth,  madly,  heedless  of  the  past,  while  ho 
.riveted  his  gaze  upon  her  dazzling  loveliness  with  such  strong  excitement  of 
♦xprc.s.sion  as  to  cau.se  her  own  to  sink  beneath  it,  "  A'our  own  Gerald — your 
slave  kneels  before  you,"  and  he  threw  himself  at  her  feet 

"  And  what  punishment  does  not  that  slave  merit?"  sh(  asked  in  a  tone  so 
different  from  that  in  which  she  had  addressed  her  supp.>sod  dornestio.  that 
Gerald  could  .scarcely  believe  it  to  be  tho  same.  "What  reparation  i-an  ho 
.make  for  having  caused  so  much  misery  to  one  who  loved  and  clierished  him 
so  well,  Oh!  Gerald,  what  days,  what  nights  of  misery  have  I  not  passed 
.since  you  so  unkindly  left  me."  As  she  uttered  the  last  aentence.  she  bent 
herself  over  the  still  kneeling  form  of  her  lover,  while  her  long  dark  hair, 
falling  fo.rward,  completely  enveloped  him  in  its  luxuriant  and  waving 
folds. 

"You  will  be  mine,  Matilda,"  at  length  murmured  the  youth,  as  he  .sat  at 
•her  side  on  tha  sofa,  to  which  on  rising  he  had  conducted  her. 

"  Yours,  only  yours,"  returned  the  American,  while  she  bent  her  face  upon 
his  shoulder.     "  But  you  know  the  terms  of  our  union." 

Had  a  viper  stung  liim, -Gerald  could  not  have  recoiled  with  more  dismay 
snd  horror  from  her  embrace.  Again  the  features  of  Matilda  became  colorles^ 
•ud  her  brow  assumed  an  expression  of  care  and  severity. 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


105 


"Then,  if  not  to  fulfil  that  compact,  wherefore  arc  j'Oii  here  V  and  the  quea* 
tion  was!  put  half  querulously,  half  contempluously. 

''Chance.  Destiny,  Fate  —call  it  what  you  will,"  cried  Gerald.  oboying'*tho 
stronger  impulse  of  his  feeiinss,  and  clasping  her  once  more  to  his  heaving 
heart.  '"Oh  !  Matilda,  if  you  knew  how  the  idea  of  that  fearful  condition  has 
haunted  mo  in  my  thoughts  by  day,  and  my  dreams  by  night,  you  would 
only  wonder  that  at  this  mouient  I  retain  my  senses,  filled  as  my  soul  is  withf 
laaddonmj; — with  inextinguishable  love  for  you," 

'•  Ani  do  you  really  entertain  for  mo  that  deep,  that  excessive  passion  yon 
have  just  expressed,"  at  length  observed  Matilda,  after  some  moments  of  .si- 
lence, and  with  renewed  tenderness  of  voice  and  manner,  '"and  yet  refuse  the 
racfuis  by  which  you  mny  .secure  mc  to  you  for  ever  ?" 

'•  MatiMa,"  said  Geraltl,  with  vehemence,  '•  my  passion  for  you  is  one  which 
no  eiTort  of  mv  reason  c;\n  control;  but  let  me  not  deceive  you — it  is  now  one 
of  the  .senses." 

An  expression  of  triumph,  not  wholly  unminglcd  with  scorn,  animated  the  | 
features  of  Matilda.     It  was  succeeded  by  one  of  ineffable  tenderness. 

"  We  will  talk  of  this  no  more  to-night,  Gerald,  but  to-morrow  eveninq;,  at 
the  same  hour,  be  hero  :  and  our  mutual  hopes,  and  fears,  and  doubts  shall  b© 
then  rcalizod  or  disappointed,  as  the  event  may  show.  To-morrow  will  deter- 
mine if  as  I  cannot  but  believe,  Destiny  has  sent  you  to  me  at  this  important 
hour.  It  is  very  singular,"  .she  added,  as  if  to  herself,  her  features  again  be- 
coming; deadly  pale.  "  very  singular  iinleed  !" 

"  What  is  sing\ilar.  Matilda  ?"  asked  Gerald. 

'•  You  shall  know  all  to-morrow,"  she  replied  ;  "  but  mind,"  and  her  dark 
eye  rested  on  his  with  an  expr-ossion  of  mucli  tenderness,  "that  jou  come  prO' 
pared  to  yield  me  all  I  ask," 

Gerald  promised  that  ho  would,  and  Matilda  expressing  a  desire  to  hear 
what  had  .so  unexpectedly  restored  hmi  to  her  presence,  he  entered  into  a  dfi- 
tail  of  all  that  had  befallen  him  from  the  moment  of  their  separation.  She 
appeared  to  be  much  touched  by  the  relation,  and  in  return,  gave  him  a  history 
of  what  she  too  had  felt  and  sulTered.  She  moreover  informed  him  that  ]M:ijor 
Montgomerie  had  died  of  his  wounds  shortly  after  their  parting,  and  that  .she 
Ij.ul  now  been  nearly  two  months  returned  to  her  uncle's  estate  at  Frankfort, 
where  she  lived  wholly  secluded  from  society,  and  with  a  domestic  establish- 
ment consistinir  of  slaves.  The.se  short  explanations  having  been  entered  into 
they  parted — Matilda  to  enter  her  dwelling,  the  same  which  Gerald  had  re- 
marked in  outline,  in  which  numerous  lights  wore  now  vi.sible,  and  her  lover 
to  make  the  best  of  his  way  to  the  town. 


'*,. 


CHAPTER  xxvir. 


MoRNMNG  dawned,  and  yet  no  sleep  had  visited  the  eyes  of  Gerald  Gran- 
tham, The  image  of  Matilda  floated  in  his  mind,  and  to  the  recollection  of 
her  beauty  he  clung  with  an  aching  oagerac>s  of  delight,  that  attested  tlio 
extent  ftf  its  inliuencc  over  his  imagination.  Had  there  been  nothing  to  tar- 
nish that  glorious  picture  of  womanly  perfection,  the  feelings  it  called  up 
would  have  been  too  exqui.site  for  endurance;  but.  .alas!  with  the  faultless 
image  came  recollections,  against  which  it  required  all  tiie  force  of  that  beauty 
to  maintain  itself.  Oae  ineitaccable  spat  was  upon  the  soul  of  that  fascinating 
b«Mng  ;  and  though  like  the  spots  on  the  sun's  disk,  it  was  hidden  in  the  eflul- 
gcnce  which  surrounded  it,  still  he  could  not  conceal  from  him.self  that  it  did 
exi.~t.  to  deface  the  symmetry  of  the  wlutle^  It  was  his  knowledge  of  that 
foirful  hlemi:-.h  that  hai'.  driven  him  to  seek  in  drunkenness,  and  subsequently 
^  death,  a  release  from  the  agonizing  tortures  of  his  mind.   Virtue  and  a  high 


166 


MATILDA    NONIOOMBRIB;     CRt 


S^Rfle  of  honor  had  triumphed  so  far,  as  not  mcroly  to  leavo  liia  own  soul  spot* 
lcs»,  but  to  Hy  from  l)cr  wlio  would  havo  polhitiid  it  vj'ith  criu4e;  yi't,  although 
resjifect  and  lovp— the  pure  scntiincnts  by  which  he  liad  (>ri«:iually  beeu  influ- 
enced— liad  passod  away,  the  iiour  of  their  departure  had  been  that  of  the 
incr eased  domination  of  passion,  and  fir  from  her  whoso  boauty  was  ever  pre- 
sent to  his  mind,  his  imagination  had  drawn  and  linjTcrLHl  on  such  pictures 
that,  assured  as  he  was  they  could  never  t)C  realized,  he  finally  resolved  to 
court  death  wherever  it  might  present  itself. 

Restored  thus  wuexpectedly  to  the  presence  of  her  who  had  been  tlio 
quoeasinj,  subject  of  his  thou;»hts,  and  under  circumstances  so  well  calculatfJ 
to  inJhnnt;  liis  imatjination,  it  cannot  appear  wonderful  lliat  Gerald  should  iiava 
looked  forward  to  his  approaching  interview  willi  cjnotions  of  the  intenscst 
kind.  How  fated,  too,  seemed  the  reunion.  Ho  had  quitted  Matilda  with  tho 
firm  determination  never  to  behold  her  more,  j-ct.  by  the  very  act  of  courtinj" 
that  death  which  would  fully  have  accomplished  his  purpose,  he  had  placed 
fcimself  in  tho  position  he  most  wished  to  avoid.  ProJiuming  that  Major 
Montgomerie,  who  had  never  alluded  to  Frankfort  as  his  home,  was  still  with 
bis  niece,  a  resident  in  the  distant  State  in  which  he  l:ad  left  tliem.  he  had 
l^ladly  heard  Colonel  Forrester  name  the  Kentucky  capital  as  the  place  of  hi* 
destination  ;  for,  deep  and  maddening  as  was  his  passion  for  Matilda,  no 
earthly  consi(lerations  could  have  induced  him  voluntarily  to  have  sought  her. 
Even  since  his  arrival  in  Frankfort,  it  had  been  a  source  of  consolation  to  him 
to  feel  that  he  was  far  removed  from  her  who  could  have  made  him  forget  that, 
although  the  heart  may  wither  and  die,  while  self-esteem  and  an  approving 
conscience  remain  to  us,  the  soul  shares  not  in  tliQ.same  decay — confesses  not 
the  .same  sting.  Could  he  even  have  divined  that  in  the  temple  to  which  hi.s 
curiositv  had  led  him.  he  should  have  beheld    the  being  on    whose  imago 


it,  he  would  have  avoided  her 


as    a 


ho    doted,  even   while  he   shunned 
pestilence. 

Tlie  result  of  this  terrible  struggle  of  his  feelings  was  a  determination  to  see 
her  once  more — to  yield  up  his  whole  soul  to  the  intoxication  of  her  presence, 
»nd  then,  pi'ovided  she  should  refuse  to  imite  her  fate  to  his,  unhampered  by 
the  teriible  condition  of  past  days,  to  tear  himself  from  her  for  ever. 

Str./ng  in  this  resolution,  Gerald,  to  whom  the  hours  had  appeared  as  days 
pincc  his  rising,  quitted  Frankfort  about  his  usual  time,  and,  in  order 
to  avoid  observation,  took  tho  same  retired  and  circuitous  route  by  which  ho 
had   reached  the  valley   tho  preceding  evening.     As  he  de.scended  into  tho 

!)lain,  the  light  from  the  window  of  the  temple  was  again  perceptible.     In  a 
cw  minutes  he  was  in  the  room, 

'■  Gerald — my  own  Gerald,"  exclaimed  Matilda,  as,  carefully  clo.sing  the  door 
after  her  lover,  she  threw  herself  into  his  embrace.  Alas,  weak  man  !  Like 
the  baseless  fabric  of  a  dream,  disappeared  all  the  lately  formed  resolutions 
of  the  yoK'th. 

"  Yes,  Matilda — j'our  own  Gerald.  Como  what  will,  henceforth  I  am 
yours." 

A  pause  of  some  moments  ensued,  during  which  each  felt  the  beating  of  tho 
Other's  heart. 

'■  Will  you  swear  it,  Geriild  ?"  at  length  whispered  Matilda.  '   ... ." 

c  ■  "  I  will — I  do  swear  it." 

Tiiere  was  a  sudden  kindling  of  the  dark  eye  of  tho  American,  and  an 
©ntswellmg  of  the  full  bust,  that  seemed  to  betoken  exuUatisn  in  the  power 
©f  her  beaut}'  ;  but  this  was  quickly  repressed,  and,  sinking  on  the  sofa  at  the 
side  of  her  lover,  her  whole  countc  inncc  was  radiant  with  the  extraordinary 
expression  Gerald  had,  for  the  fust  time,  witnessed  while  she  lingered  on  the 
*rm  of  his  uncle.  Colonel  D'Figvillu. 

'•  Gerald,"  she  .said  tenderly,  "  confirm  tho  oath  which  is  to  unite  us  heart 
and  sou'  in  (.ne  eternal  destiny.  Swear  \ipnn  this  sacred  volume,  that  youi 
hand  sluvll  avenure  the  wrongs  of  your  Matilda — of  your  wife.  Ha  1  your 
wife — think  of  that,"  she  added  with  sudden  energy.  .,  ,     ■;  yi..  -jj" 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


vy) 


soul  spot* 
:,  althoiin;!] 
seen  iiiflu- 
lat  of  the. 
i  ever  pre- 
h  picturei? 
esolvod  to 

been  tlio 
calculated 
lonld  iiava 
;  intenscst 
a  with  tho 
f  courting 
lad  placed 
hat  Major 

still  w'ith 
m.  he  had 
aco  of  his 
atilda,  no 
ouglit  hef. 
on  to  hiiH 
>rgct  that, 
approving; 
ifesscs  not 
which  his 
osc  iinago 
ler    as    a 

tion  to  SCO 
'  presence, 
ipered  by 

?d  as  da3'S 

in   order 

which  ho 

I  into  the 

)Ie.    In  a 

g  the  door 
an !  Like 
esolutions 

rth  I  am 


ing  of  tho 


\.  and  an 
he  power 
ofa  at  the 
^ordinary 
ed  on  the 

ns  heart 
■hat  youi 
la  !  \ oai 


Gerald  caught  tho  book  eagerly  to  his  lips.  "I  swear  it,  Mati'.d/ — ]t*d 
bhall  die.' 

But  scarcely  had  ho  sworn,  when  a  crcepin:!;  cliill  passed  through  his  f/*jric. 
His  features  lost  all  their  animation,  and,  tluDwing  away  tho  book  on  vf.iyh 
the  irnjiious  oath  had  been  taken,  he  tui'nel  away  his  facci  from  MatlJdft,  aa(2 
sinking  his  head  upon  his  breast,  groaned  and  wept  bitterly. 

"  What!  already,  Gerald,  do  you  repent?  Nay,  tell  me  not  tliat  one  t'r.ia 
infirm  of  purpose,  can  be  .strong  of  passion.  You  love  me  not,  else  vroald 
ilic  wrongs  of  her  you  love  arm  you  with  the  fiercoet  spirit  of  vengcanc 
against  him  who  has  .so  deeply  injured  her.  But  if  you  repent,  it  is  but  to  ab- 
Kolvc  you  from  the  oath,  and  then  the  deed  must  be  my  own." 

The  American  spoke  in  tones  in  whicli  reproach,  expostulation,  and  woundf.<I  ^ 
afiection,  were  artfully  and  toucliingly  blended,  and  as  she  conchidcd,  she  lc6 
dropped  her  head  upon  her  chest  and  sighed. 

"  Nay,  Matilda,  you  do  me  wrong.  It  is  one  thing  to  swerve  from  the  guilty 
purpose  to  which  your  too  seductive  beauty  has  won  my  soul. — another,  ta 
;nourn  as  man  should  mourn,  the  hour  when  virtue,  honor,  religion,  all  the  no- 
bler pi'inciples  in  which  my  youth  iias  been  nurtured,  have  proved  too  weak  to 
stem  the  tide  of  guilty  passion.  You  say  I  love  you  not  I"  and  he  laugheil 
bitterly.  "  What  greater  proof  would  you  requu'e  than  tho  oath  I  liaro 
just  taken?" 

"  Its  fulfilment."  said  Matilda  impres.sively.  '  '  - ''■ 

"It  shall  be  fulfilled,"  he  returned  quickly  ;  but  at  least  deny  me  not  th? 
privilege  of  cursing  the  hour  when  crime  of  so  atrocious  a  dye  could  bo  made 
BO  familiar  to  my  soul." 

"  Crime  is  a  word  too  indiscriminately  bestowed,"  said  ISfatilda.  after  a 
momentary  pause.  "  What  the  weak  in  mind  class  with  crime,  the  strong 
term  virtue." 

"  Virtue  !  what,  to  spill  the  blood  of  a  man  who  has  never  injured  me  ;  to 
become  a  hired  assassin,  the  price  of  whose  guilt  is  the  hand  of  her  who  insti- 
gates to  the  deed  ?     If  this  be  virtue.  I  am  indeed  virtuous." 

"Never  injured  you  !"  returned  the  American,  while. .she  bent  her  dark  eyo.H 
reproachfully  upon  those  of  the  unhappy  Gerald.  '•  Has  ho  not  injured 
me  ? — injured  beyond  all  power  of  reparation,  her  who  is  to  bo  the  partner 
of  your  life  ?" 

"  Nay,  Matilda,"  and  Gerald  again  passionataly  caught  and  enfolded  her  to 
his  heart,  "that  image  alone  were  sutlicient  to  mould  me  to  your  will,  even 
although  I  had  not  before  resolved.  And  yet."  he  pursued,  after  a  short  puu.sc, 
'•  how  base,  how  terrible  to  slay  an  unsuspecting  enemy  I  Would  we  could 
meet  in  single  combat — and  why  not  ?  Yes  it  can,  it  shall  be  so.  Fool  that  [ 
was  not  to  think  of  it  before.  Matilda,  my  own  love,  rejoice  with  me,  for 
there  is  a  means  by  which  your  honor  may  be  avenged,  and  my  own  .soid  un- 
stained by  guilt,  i  will  seek  this  man,  and  fasten  a  quarrel  upon  hiin.  Whac 
say  you,  Matilda — speak  to  me,  tell  me  that  you  consent."  Gerald  gasped 
TFith  agon}-. 

"  Never,  Gerald  !"  .she  returned,  with  startling  impressivcness,  while  tho 
color,  which  during  the  warm  embrace  ,pf  her  lover  had  returnetl  to  it  oncd 
more,  fled  from  her  cheek.  "  To  challenge  him  would  be  but  to  ensure  your 
own  doom,  for  few  in  the  army  of  the  United  States  equal  him  in  tho  use  of 
the  pistol  or  tho  small  sword  ;  and,  even  were  it  otherwise,"  she  concluded, 
her  eye  kindling  into  a  fierce  expression,  '•  were  he  tho  veriest  novice  in  tho 
exercise  of  both,  my  vengeance  would  be  incomplete,  did  ho  not  go  down  to  h\H 
grave  with  all  his  sins  on  his  head.  No,  no,  Gerald,  in  tho  fulness  of  the  prido 
of  existence  must  he  perish.  He  must  not  dream  of  death  until  he  feels  tho 
blow  that  is  aimed  at  his  heart." 

The  agitation  of  Matilda  was  profound  beyond  anything  she  had  over  jet 
exhibited.  Her  words  were  uttered  in  tones  that  betrayed  a  fixed  and  unbro- 
ken purpose  of  the  .soul,  and  when  .she  had  finished,  .she  threw  hor  face  upon 
tU)  booom  of  her  lover,  and  ground  her  teeth  tojjcthcr  with  a  forco  that  show- 


(08 


MATILDA     MONTOOML-RIK:     Ot. 


til  the  ofTcrt  produced  iipon  her  imagination  by  the  very  picture  of  the  death 
llic  hud  drawn. 

A  pause  of  Komc  inomcnts  ensued.  Gerald  was  visibly  disconcerted,  and 
the  arm  which  cncin;led  the  waist  of  the  revengeful  woman  dropped,  as  if  io 
disappointment,  at  his  side. 

"  llow  strange  and  inconsistent  are  the  prejudices  of  man,"  resumed  M(»- 
tihla,  half  mournfully,  half  in  sarcasm;  "  here  is  a  warrior — aspiilur  oflminun 
life  by  profession  ;  his  sword  has  been  often  dyed  in  the  heail's  blood  of  hu 
fellow  man,  and  yet  he  shudders  at  the  tliought  of  adding  one  murder  more  to 
the  many  .alreafly  committed.     What  child-like  weakness  !" 

'■  Murder  !  Matilda — call  you  it  murder  to  overcome  the  enenjies  of  one's 
country  in  fair  and  honorable  combat,  and  in  the  field  of  tjlory  ?" 

"  Call  i/oit  it  what  you  will — disguise  it  under  whatever  cloak  you  may — it 
U  no  less  murder.  Nay.  the  worst  of  murders,  for  you  but  do  the  duty  of  the 
l»ireling  slayer.  In  cold  blood,  and  for  a  stipend, do  you  put  an  end  to  the  fa.r 
existence  of  him  who  never  injured  you  in  thought  or  deed,  and  whom, 
under  other  circumstances,  you  would  pcrh.aps  have  taken  to  your  heart  in 
friendship." 

'■  This  is  true,  but  the  difference  of  the  motive,  Matilda  !  The  one  approved 
of  heaven  and  of  man,  the  other  alike  condemned  of  both." 

'■  Ai)proved  of  man,  if  you  will  ;  but  that  they  have  the  sanction  of  heaven, 
I  deny.  Worldly  polic}'  and  social  interests  alone  have  drawn  the  distinction, 
making  the  one  a  crime,  the  other  a  virtue;  but  tell  me  not  that  an  all-wisa 
and  just  God  sanctions  and  approves  the  slaying  of  his  creatures,  because  they 
jwrish,  not  singly  at  the  will  of  one  man,  but  in  thousands  and  tens  of  thou- 
sands at  the  will  of  another.  AV'liat  is  there  more  sacred  in  the  brawls  of 
kings  and  potentates,  that  the  blood  they  cause  to  be  shed  in  torrents  for  some 
f)aUry  breach  of  etiquette,  should  sit  more  lightly  on  their  souls  than  the  few 
lioiitary  drops,  spilt  by  the  hau  i  of  revenge,  on  that  of  him  whose  existence  is 
writhing  under  a  sense  of  acutcst  injury  '?" 

The  energy  with  which  .she  expressed  herself,  communicated  a  corres- 
ponding excitement  to  her  whole  manner  and  person.  Her  eye  sparkled  and 
dilated,  and  the  visible  heaving  of  her  bosom  told  how  strongly  her  own  feel- 
ings entered  into  the  principles  which  she  had  advocated.  Never  did  her 
personal  beauty  shine  forth  more  triumphantly  or  seducingly  than  at  tho 
moment  when  her  lips  were  giving  utterance  to  sentiments  from  which  tho 
heart  recoiled. 

••  Oh  Matilda,"  sighed  Gerald,  "  with  what  subtlety'  of  argument  do  you 
seek  to  familiarize  my  soul  with  crime.  But  the  attempt  is  vain.  Although 
uiy  hand  is  pledged  to  do  your  will,  my  heart  must  ever  mourn  its  guilt." 

"Foolish  Gerald,"  said  Matilda;  ••  why  should  that  .seem  guilt  to  you.  a 
man,  which  to  me,  a  woman,  is  but  justice;  but  that  unlike  me  you  have  never 
entered  into  the  calm  consideration  of  the  subject.  Yes,"  she  pursued  with 
greater  energ}',  '•  what  you  call  subtlety  of  argument  is  but  force  of  conviction. 
For  two  long  years  have  I  dwelt  upon  the  deed,  reasoning,  and  comparing, 
until  at  length  each  latent  prejudice  has  been  expelled,  and  to  avenge  my  har- 
rowing wrongs  appeared  a  duty  as  distinctly  marked  as  any  one  contained  in 
the  decalogue.  You  saw  me  once,  Gerald,  when  my  hand  shrank  ni)t  from 
what  y-jti  term  the  assa.ssin's  blow,  and  had  you  not  interfered  then,  the  deed 
would  not  now  rem.ain  to  be  accomplished." 

"Oh,  why  did  T  interfere?  why  did  my  evil  genius  conduct  me  to  such  a 
Bccuc.     Then  had  I  lived  at  least  in  ignorance  of  the  fearful  act." 

"  Nay,  Gerald,  let  it  rather  be  matter  of  exultation  with  you  that  you  did. 
Prejudiced  as  you  are.  this  hand  (and  she  extended  an  arm  .so  exquisitely 
Jbrnied  that  one  would  scarce  even  have  submitted  it  to  the  winds  of  Heaven) 
might  not  .seem  half  so  fair,  had  it  once  been  dyed  in  human  blood.  Besides 
who  so  proper  to  avenge  a  woman's  wrongs  upon  her  destroyer,  as  the  lover 
and  the  husband  to  wliom  she  has  plighted  her  faith  for  ever  1  No,  no,  it  in 
much  better  as  it  is,  and  fate  seems  to  have  decreed  that  it  should  be  so,  elos 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFII-LED. 


1W 


wily  the  interruption  by  yourself  on  thnt  memorable  ot-casion,  an;!  \vhy,  aflor 
till  your  pains  to  avoid  me,  tliis  onr  final  union,  at  a  moment  when  the  wretch 
is  about  to  return  to  his  native  home,  inllated  with  pride  and  little  (Iroaming 
of  the  fittf  that  awaits  liiin. — Surely.  Gerald,  you  will  admit  there  is  something 
more  than  mere  chance  in  this  ?" 

"About  to  return,"  repeated  Grantham  .shuddering;.     "  When.  Matilda?" 
"  AVithin  a  week  at  tlie  latest — perhaps  within  three  days.     Soin  >,  uriim- 

f)oruiit  advantage  wl.ich  he  has  gained  on  the  frontier,  has  been  mairiiified  by 
lis  jrenerous  fellow  citizens  into  a  deed  of  heroism,  and.  from  information  con- 
veyed to  me,  by  a  trusty  and  confidential  servant,  I  find  he  has  obtained  leave 
of  absence,  to  attend  a  public  entertainment  to  be  given  m  Frankfort,  on  which 
occasion  a  magnificent  sword,  is  to  be  presented  to  him.  Never.  Gerald,"  con- 
liutied  Matilda,  her  voice  dropping  into  a  whisper,  while  a  ghastly  smile  pas.scd 
over  and  convulsed  her  lips,  ''never  shall  he  live  to  draw  that  sword.  Tho 
ii'ght  of  his  triumph  is  that  which  I  have  fixed  for  mine." 

"  An  unimportant  advantage  upon  the  frontier,"  asked  Gerald  eagerly  and 
breathlessly.     "  To  what  frontier,  Matilda,  do  you  allude  ? 

'•  The  Niagara,'"  was  the  reply. 

"  Are  you  quite  sure  of  this  ?" 

"  So  sure  that  I  have  long  known  he  was  there,"  returned  Matilda. 

Gerald  breathed  more  freely— but  again  he  questioned  : 

'■  Matilda,  when  first  I  saw  you  last  night,  you  were  gazing  intently  upon 
yon  i)()rtrait,  (he  pointed  to  that  part  of  the  temple  where  tlie  picture  hunj 
suspended),  and  it  struck  me  that  I  had  an  indistinct  recollection  of  tho  fea- 
tures." 

•'  Nothing  more  probable,"  returned  the  American,  answering  his  searching 
look  with  one  of  equal  firmness.  You  cannot  altogether  have  forgotten  Major 
Montgomeric." 

'•  Nay,  the  face  struck  me  not  as  his.     May  I  look  at  it  ?" 

"  Assuredly.     Satisfy  yourself," 

Gerald  quitted  the  sofa,  took  up  the  light,  and  traversing  the  room  raisofl 
the  gauze  curtain  that  covered  the  painting.  It  was  indeed  the  portrait  of  the 
deceased  Major,  habited  in  full  uniform. 

"!low  Strang","  he  mused,  "  that  so  vague  an  impression  should  have  been 
conveyed  to  my  mind  last  night,  when  now  I  recal  without  difiiculty  those 
Avell  remembered  features,"  Gerald  sighed  .as  he  recollected  under  what  dif- 
ferent circumstances  he  had  first  l>oheld  that  face.  an<l  dropping  tho  curtain 
once  more,  crossed  the  room  and  fiung  himself  at  the  side  of  Matilda. 

"For  whom  did  you  take  it,  if  not  for  Major  Montgoraerie ?"  asked  the 
American  after  a  pause,  and  again  her  full  dark  eye  was  bent  on  his. 

''  Nay  I  scarcely  know  myself,  yet  I  had  thought  it  hau  been  the  portrait 
of  him  I  have  sworn  to  destroy." 

There  was  a  sudden  change  of  expression  in  the  countenance  of  Matilda,  but 
it  speedily  passed  away,  and  she  said  with  a  faint  sujile, 

'•  WlieLlier  is  it  more  natural  to  find  pleasure  in  gazing  on  tho  features  of 
those  who  have  loved,  or  those  who  have  injured  us  ?" 

"  TluMi  %'bose  was  the  miniature  on  which  you  so  intently  gazed,  on  that 
cvenlful  night  at  Detroit?"  asked  GeraM. 

'■  That,"  said  Matil  >  quickly,  and  paling  as  she  spoke — "  that  was  his — 1 
gazed  on  it  only  the  more  strongly  to  detest  the  original — to  confirm  the  do- 
terinination  I  had  formed  to  destroy  him." 

•'  ir//te/i,"  returned  the  youth,  "  why  not  now — may  I  not  see  that  portrait, 
Matilda  ?  May  I  not  acquire  .some  knowledge  of  the  unhappy  man  whose 
b](yy(?-  will  so  shortly  stain  my  soul  ?" 

"  Irnpossible,"  she  replied.  '•  The  miniature  T  have  .since  destroyed.  While 
I  thought  the  original  within  reach  of  my  revenge,  T  could  bear  to  gaze  upon 
it,  bui  no  sooner  ivid  I  been  disappointed  in  mv  aim.  tii.ui  it  became  loath> 
some  to  me  as  the  sight  of  some  venomoui-  reptile,  aud  1  destroyed  it."  I'hia 
was  .said  with  undisguised  bitterness. 


170 


Matilda    montoomkrib;   or 


Ocnild  si^hod  diwply.  A'^nin  he  onoirclod  the  waist  of  his  c(  npanioi  unrj 
oi'.t?  oriiiT  fiiir.  soft,  vulvct  hanils  was  pressed  in  his. 

"  Matil.iii."  liR  oitsorvctl,  ••  (K'cp  indued  must  be  tho  wronj?  that  would 
prompt  tho  licart  of  womuu  to  so  torrible  a  hatred.  When  wo  last  parted,  you 
pavu  me  l»uL  an  indistinct  and'fjoneral  oiitUne  of  tho  injury  you  had  SHstfuned. 
'I'cll  ni(!  now  ali — fell  mo  cvcrvthiii'.^,"  he  continued  with  cner(i;y.  "  that  can 
infuse  a  i)ortion  of  the  iiatred  which  fills  your  soul  into  mine,  that  my  hand 
may  ho  (irnjer — my  heart  more  hardened  to  the  deed." 

'•  The  story  of  my  wron;;H  must  be  told  in  a  few  words,  for  T  cannot  bear  to 
hMi^er  on  it,"  coninr.'ncel  the  American,  again  turnin.';^  deadly  palo,  whilo 
lier  quivorin;^  lips  and  tremblins;  voice  betrayed  the  excitement  of  her  feelings. 
Tlie  monster  was  the  choice  of  my  heart — judfrc  how  much  so  when  I  tell  you 
that,  coiilidin'^  in  /lis  honor,  and  in  tho  assurance  that  our  union  would  tako 
j)Iaco  immediately,  I  surrendeicd  to  liim  mine.  A  constant  visitor  at  Major 
Montgomerie's.  whose  brother  ofiicer  he  was,  wc  hail  ample  opportunities  of 
beinj;  toj^ether  Wc  were  looked  upon  in  society  as  affianced  lovers,  and  in 
fact  it  was  tfie  warmest  wish  of  Major  Montgomerie  that  we  should  be  uiiitud. 
A  day  had  even  been  fixed  for  tho  purpose,  and  it  wanted,  but  eight  and  forty 
hours  of  th(!  time,  when  an  occurrence  took  place  which  blasted  ali  prospect 
of  our  tmion  for  ever. 

'•  I  have  already  told  you,  I  think,"  resumed  Matilda,  "  that  this  liltio 
temple  had  been  exclusively  erected  lor  my  own  use.  Here  however  my  falso 
lover  had  constant  ingress,  and  being  furnished  with  a  key,  was  in  the  habit 
of  introducing  himself  at  hours  when  having  taken  leave  of  tho  family  for  tho 
evening,  ho  was  suppo.scd  by  Major  Montgomerie  and  the  servants  to  have  re- 
tired to  his  own  home.  On  the  occasion  to  which  I  have  just  alluded,  I  had 
understood  from  him  some  business,  connected  with  our  approaching  mar- 
riage, would  detain  him  in  the  town  to  an  an  hour  too  advanced  to  admit  of 
his  paying  mo  his  usual  visit.  Judge  my  surprise,  and  indeed  my  consterna- 
tion, when  at  a  late  liour  of  tho  night  I  heard  the  lock  of  the  door  turn,  and 
paw  my  lover  a])pear  at  the  entrance." 

There  was  a  short  pau.se,  and  Matilda  again  proceeded. 

"  Scarcely  had  he  shown  himself,  when  he  again  vanished,  closing  tho  door 
with  startling  violence.  I  sprang  from  the  sofa  and  flew  forth  after  him.  but 
in  vain.  Ho  had  already  departed,  and  with  a  heart  sinking  under  an  insur- 
mountable dread  of  coming  evil,  I  once  more  entered  the  temple,  and  throw- 
ing myself  upon  the  sofii,  gave  vent  to  my  feelings  in  an  agony  of  tears." 

"  liut  why  his  departure,  and  whence  your  consternation  ?"  asked  Gerald^ 
whose  curiosity  had  been  deejtly  excited. 

'•  I  was  not  alone,"  resumed  Matilda,  in  a  deep  and  solemn  voice.  "  When 
he  entered.  I  wa.s  hanging  on  the  neck  of  another." 

Gerald  gave  a  half  start  of  dismay,  his  arm  dropped  from  the  waist  of  tho 
American,  and  he  breathed  heavily  and  quickly. 

Matilda  remarked  the  movement,  and  a  sickly  and  half  scornful  smile  passed 
over  her  pale  features.  '•  Before  we  last  parted,  Gerald,  I  told  you.  not  only 
that  I  was  in  no  way  connected  with  Major  Montgomerie  by  blood,  but  that 
I  was  the  child  of  obscure  parents."  • 

"  What  then  ?"  .'.;=. 

"  The  man  on  whoso  neck  T  hung  was  my  own  fivthor." 

"  It  was  Desborough  !"  said  the  youth,  with  an  air  and  in  a  voice  of  extrerao 
anguish. 

"  It  was,"  returned  Matilda,  her  face  crimsoning  as  she  reluctantly  acknow- 
ledged the  parentage.     '•  But  how  knew  you  it  ?" 

''Behold  the  proof !"  exclaimed  Gerald,  with  uncontrollable  bittcrneR.s,  a<« 
he  drew  from  his  bosom  the  portrait  of  a  child  which,  from  its  striking  ro- 
se'rablance,  could  be  taken  for  no  other  than  htr  lo  whom  he  now  present- 
ed it." 

*'  This  is  indeed  mine,"  said  Matilda,  mournfur.v.  "It  was  taken  :'br  me.  no 
I  have  since  understood,  in  the  very  year  when     was  laid  an  orplan  and  a 


THE     PROPHKOY     PUI.  FIM.  FD. 


171 


Anr) 


iind 


.^tri\nj»ei'  nt  tlio  doar  of  that  pjoofl  man,  wlio.  rnllino!  him»;'?]f  nr,'  nnr'.' .  has  liecn 
t.o  mo  throti<)fh  life  a  more  than  fatlicr.  Thunk  Goil,"  sho  jx.iMit.i  .riiK  troat 
niiimation,  her  Iar;j;e,  dark  eyes  nuturncl.  mu  1  spirkliii!?  t'i'./.)w^>*  the  t  \th 
that  forced  thcmsolvos  upwards.  ';tli:mk  flitl,  heat  lenst  iiio;'(  nci  t<>  snM'er 
throu;>;h  the  nets  of  liis  adopted  cliild.  Where  ^rot  you  tht-s,  G^'.ald  7"  sho 
proceeded,  when,  after  a  short  struggle  she  had  succeeded  in  owi  coming  her 
emotion. 

Gerald,  who  in  hin  narrative  of  events,  had  purposely  omitted  all  mention 
of  Deshorough,  now  detailed  the  ocrctirrenro  at  the  hut,  and  eoneluded  wliat 
the  roader  already  knows,  hy*  stating  that  he  had  ohservod  and  severed  froir\ 
the  settler,  as  ho  slept  heavily  on  tlie  iloor,  the  portrait  in  qijestion.  whinh, 
added  to  the  previous  declaration  of  Matilda  as  to  the  ohsenrity  of  licr  birth, 
connected  with  other  cirrunistanees  on  hoard  h\>^  <jun-hoat.  on  his  trip  to  lt<jf- 
falo,  had  left  an  impression  little  short  of  certainty  that  he  was  indeed  tho 
father  of  tho  woman' whom  he  so  wildly  loved." 

For  some  minutes  after  this  explanation  there  was  a  painful  silence,  which 
neither  seemed  anxious  to  interrupt.     At  length  (}erald  asked  : 

''But  what  had  a  circumstance,  so  capahle  of  exjdanation.  to  do  with  the 
breaking  oft'  of  your  engagement,  Matilda?  or  did  he,  more  prou  I — perhapj* 
1  should  say  less  dehascd — than  myself,  shrink  from  uniting  his  fate  with  tho 
daughter  of  a  murderer  ?" 

"•True,"  said  Matilda,  musingly;  "you  have  said,  I  think,  that  he  slow 
your  father.  This  thirst  for  revenge,  then,  would  seem  hereditary,  '/yinl  i<» 
the  only,  because  it  is  the  noblest,  inheritance  1  wpuM  owe  to  sucli  a  being." 

"  IJut  yoiu'  aHair  with  your  lover,  MatiMa — how  terminated  that  ?"  de- 
manded Gerald,  with  increasing  paleness  and  in  a  faltering  tone. 

''  In  his  falsehood  and  my  disgrace.  Early  the  next  morning  T  sent  to  hira, 
and  bade  him  seek  me  in  the  temple  at  the  usual  hour.  He  came,  but  it  wad 
only  to  blast  my  hopes — to  disappoint  th'i  passion  of  the  woman  who  doatej 
upon  him.  He  accused  me  of  vile  intercourse  with  a  slave,  and  almost 
maddened  me  with  ignoble  reproaches.  It  was  in  vain  that  I  swore  to  hini 
most  solemnly,  tho  man  iie  hail  seen  was  my  father — a  being  whom  motives 
of  prudence  compelled  mc  to  receive  in  private,  even  though  my  heart  ai)- 
horred  and  loathed  the  relationship  between  lis.  He  treated  my  explanation 
with  deriding  contempt,  bidding  mo  cither  produce  that  father  within  twenty- 
four  hours,  or  Iind  some  easier  tool  to  perstiade.  that  one  wearing  the  hue  ami 
features  of  the  black,  could  by  human  possibility  be  tho  jiarent  of  a  white 
woman.  Again  I  explained  the  seeming  incongruity,  b}'  urging  that  the  hasty 
and  imperfect  view  he  had  taken  was  of  a  mask,  imitating  the  features  of  .a 
negro,  which  my  father  had  brought  with  him  as  a  disguise,  and  which  ho 
had  hastily  resumed  on  hearing  the  noise  of  the  ke}'  in  the  door.  T  even  ad« 
mited,  as  an  excuse  for  seeing  liim  tlnis  clundestineh'',  the  lowly  origin  of  my 
father  and  the  base  occupation  ho  followed  of  a  trcicherous  spy,  who,  residin;* 
in  the  Canadas,  came,  for  the  mere  consideration  of  gold,  to  sell  poJitioil  in- 
formation to  the  enemies  of  the  country  that  gave  him  asylum  and  piotection. 
I  added  that  his  visit  to  me  was  to  extort  moT\ev.  under  a  threat  of  publishing 
our  consanguinity,  and  that  dread  of  his  (my  lover's)  partiality  being  de- 
creased by  the  disclosure,  had  induced  mo  to  throw  my  arms,  in  the  earnest- 
ness of  entreatj',  upon  his  neck,  and  implore  his  svcresy  ;  promising  to  reward 
him  generously  for  his  silence.  I  moreover  urged  him.  if  he  still  doubted,  to 
make  inquiry  of  Major  Montgomerie,  and  asceitain  from  him  whether  I  wa.1 
not  indeed  the  niece  of  his  adoption,  and  not  of  his  blood.  Finally,  I  hum- 
bled myself  in  the  dust,  and,  like  a  fawning  reptile,  clasped  his  knees  in  my 
arms,  entreating  mercy  and  justice.  But  no,"  and  the  voice  of  Matilda  urcw 
deeper,  and  her  form  became  more  erect;  "neither  mercy  nor  justice  dwelt  in 
that  hard  heart,  and  he  spurned  me  rudely  from  him.  Nothing  short  of  the 
production  of  him  he  persisted  in  calling  my  vile  paramour,  would  .satisfy 
him ;  but  mv  ignoble  parent  had  received  from  me  tho  reward  of  his  .secresy 
anJ  bi  ^ad  d-  o.»rted  once  mere  to  the  Canadas.    And  thus/'  pursued  Matilda, 


172 


MATILDA     MONTaOMF.  rib;     OR 


her  voice  tn«mbli:iK  with  emotion,  "was  I  made  thn  victim  of  the  most  (lit 
bolicAl  Mispicion  that  «vor  hniiiitPfl  the  l)n'iist  .)f  man." 

OcralJ  was  Kiratl^  iH'cnted.  His  [lasKiun  for  Matilda  sconiod  to  increase  in 
proportion  with  hi8  sympathy  for  her  wrongs,  and  he  ciusiwd  her  cneiyeti- 
cally  to  his  heart. 

"  Piiidiii(r  him  resohito  in  attachinj?  to  mo  the  dehasinj;  iinpiitation,"  pur- 
Kned  the  Amtincan,  ••  it  suddenly  Hashed  upon  my  mind  tint  this  was  but  a 
I)retext  to  free  liimself  from  his  (!n<;ay;emLMit,  and  that  \w  was  plad  to  accom- 
plish his  object  throiij^h  the  first  incans  I  mt  odl-rfd.  Oh.  Gerald.  1  cannot 
paint  the  extraordinary  cliantre  that  came  ivct  jiiiy  fet'Iin<cs  at  this  tliouujhtl 
much  less  jrive  you  an  idea  of  the  rapidity  uuli  which  tlmtohan;j;e  was  eUtcted. 
One  moment  before,  and,  altlion^h  d('};;raded  and  unjustly  accused,  I  had  loved 
him  with  all  the  ardor  of  whicli  o  w(>m;ui's  heart  is  capable:  now  I  hated, 
loathed,  detested  him  ;  and  had  he  sunk  at  my  feet,  I  would  have  spurned 
him  from  me  with  indignation  and  scorn.  I  could  not  but  be  conscious  that 
the  very  act  of  havinf^  yielded  myself  up  to  him,  had  armed  my  lover  with 
the  power  to  accuse  mo  of  infidelity,  and  tlic  more  I  lin^jered  on  the  want  of 
penerosity  such  a  suspicion  implied,  the  more  rooted  became  my  dislike,  the 
more  profound  my  coutem})t  for  him,  who  could  thus  repay  .so  great  a  proof 
of  conlldinj^ness  and  allection.'' 

"  It  was  even  while  I  lay  provellin;;  at  his  feet,"  pursued  Matilda,  after  a 
momentary  pause,  durin;;  which  she  evinced  inten.sc  ajritation,  ''  that  this  sud- 
den chans^e  (excited  by  this  most  unheard-of  injustice)  came  over  my  mind— 
1  rose  and  stood  before  him  ;  then  asked,  in  a  voice  m  which  no  evidence  of 
passion  could  bo  traced,  what  excuse  ho  meant  to  make  to  Major  Montj^om- 
erie  for  havinaj  thus  broken  off  his  en^^aRement.  lh\  started  at  my  suddeu 
cftlmness  ef  manner,  but  said  that  he  thouj»ht  it  mipht  be  as  well  for  my  sako 
to  name  what  I  had  already  stated  to  him  in  rej^ard  to  the  obscurity  of  my 
birth,  as  a  plea  for  his  seceding  from  the  connexion.  I  told  him  that,  nmler 
all  the  circumstances,  I  thought  this  most  advisable,  and  then,  pointing  to  the 
door,  b.ade  him  be  >;one,  and  never,  under  any  pretext  whatever,  aj^ain  to  insult 
me  with  his  presence.  When  he  had  departed,  I  burst  into  a  paroxysm  of 
tears ;  but  they  were  teai'S  shed  not  for  tlie  loss  of  him  I  now  despised,  but 
of  wild  sorrow  at  mj'  unmerited  vlegr.adation.  That  conflict  over,  the  weak- 
ness had  for  ever  passed  away,  and  never,  since  that  hour,  has  tear  descended 
cheek  of  mine,  associated  with  the  recollection  of  the  villain  who  had  thus 
dared  to  trifle  with  a  heart  the  full  extent  of  whose  passions  ho  has  yet  to 
learn." 

There  was  a  tremblinj)j  of  the  whole  per.sonof  Matilda  which  told  how  much 
her  feelinf^s  had  been  excited  by  the  recollection  of  what  she  narrated,  and 
Gerald,  as  ho  gazed  upon  her  beautiful  form,  could  not  but  wonder  at  tho 
apathy  of  the  man  wlio  could  thus  have  heartlessly  thrown  it  from  hira 
for  ever. 

'■  Had  the  injury  terminated  here,"  resumed  Matilda,  "  bitter  as  my  humi- 
liation was,  my  growing  dislike  fur  him  who  had  so  imgonerously  inflicted  it, 
might  have  enabled  me  to  endure  it.  But,  not  satisfied  witl>  destroying  tho 
happiness  of  her  who  had  sacrificed  all  for  his  sake,  my  perfidious  lover  had 
yet  a  blow  in  reserve  for  me.  compared  with  which  hi.s  antecedent  conduct  was 
mercy.  Gerald,"  she  continued,  as  she  pressed  his  arm  with  a  convulsive 
grasp.  "  will  you  believe  that  tho  monster  had  the  infamy  to  confide  to  one  of 
his  most  intimate  associates,  tliat  his  rupture  with  me  was  occasioned  by  his 
having  discovered  me  in  the  arms  of  a  slave — of  one  oftho.se  vile  ))einps  com- 
munion with  whom  my  soul  in  any  sense  abhorred  ?  How  shall  I  describo 
the  terrible  feeling  that  came  over  my  insulted  heart  at  that  moment.  But 
no,  no — description  were  impossible.  This  associate — this  friend  of  his — dared 
on  the  very  strength  of  this  infamous  imputation,  to  pollute  my  ear  with  hiir 
disrespectful  passion,  and  when  in  i.  transpojt  of  contempt  and  anger,  I 
spurned  him  from  me,  he  taunied  me  with  that  which  I  believed  confined  to 
the  brea.st,  as  it  had  boen  engendered  only  in  the  ?iiipicion,  of  my  betrayer. 


THB     PROPHECY     FtrLFILLRD. 


in 


Oh !  If  it  1)0  drcndfiil  to  bo  ncoiiscd  by  thosH  whom  wo  have  lovoil  in  intimnry 
how  iiiurli  moro  is  it  to  know  i\mt  thoy  hiivo  not  had  oven  the  common  iin 
tninity  to  conocftl  our  .mip[>  >scm1  wcjikm-sM  from  tin;  world.  From  thnt  m<Mn<Mt< 
rovc'nj;(!  took  possession  of  my  soul,  and  [  sworo  that  my  divstroyor  m1ioii1>I 
jwrish  by  the  nand  of  her  whoso  intiocenco  luid  whoso  peuco  ho  had  bliistei 
for  over. 

**Sliortly  after  this  event,"  rcHnmod  Matilda,  "  my  base  lover  was  ordoretJ 
to  join   iiis  roi^iihent,  then  Htatia'U'd  at  Detroit.     A  your  passwl  away,  nni 
durin;^  tliat  period  my  u»ind  poivlored  uiice:isin;:;ly  on  ll>e  means  of  iK'eouiplish 
inj5  my  purpose  of  ri'.vena;e  ;  and  so  completely  diil  I  devote  myself  to  a  coo 
and  nnprejudioed  examination  of  tlic  subject,  tl>at  what  th(i  vnlv:ar  crowd  torni 
guilt,  appeared  to  mo  plain  virtue.     On  the  war  breaking:  out.  Major  Montjjo- 
merie  was  also  ordered  to  Dc^troit.  and  thither  I  entreated  him  to  sutler  me  tg- 
ncconipany  liim.     I  fe  consented,  for  knowinp^  nothinp;  of  the  causes  winch  had 
turned  my  love  intOfrjiUJio  thought  it  not  improbable  thata  meetincj  with  my 
late  lover  miirlit  be  pro  luctivo  of  a  removal  of  his  prejudices,  and  our  conse- 
quent reunion.     Little  did  he  dream  that  it  was  with  a  view  to  plunge  a  ilft'j;'.'er 
into  my  destroyei-'s  fiil,-.e  heart,  that  I  evinced  so  much  cagernes.s  to  undorlako 
so  long  and  so  disa-^reeable  a  journey. 

"Little  more  remains  to  be  added,"  pursued  Matilda,  as  she  fixed  her  dark 
C5'es  with  a  softened  expression  on  those  of  Gerald,  '"  since  with  the  occurren- 
ces there  you  are  already  sutliciently  acquainted.  Yet  there  is  one  point  upon 
which  I  would  explain  myself.  When  I  tlrst  became  your  prisoner,  my  mind 
had  been  worked  u])  to  the  highest  pitch  of  determination,  and  in  my  cajttor  I 
at  first  behold  but  an  evil  genius  who  had  interposed  himself  between  me  and 
ray  Just  revenge,  when  on  the  very  ove  of  its  consummation.  Hence  my 
petulance  and  impatience  while  in  the  presence  of  your  noble  (Jenera!." 

•■  And  whence  that  look,  Matilda,  that  peculiar  glance,  which  you  bestowed 
upon  me  even  within  tho  same  hour?" 

"  TSecauso  in  your  frank  and  leirless  mien  I  saw  that  manly  honor  and  flde- 
lity,  the  want  of  which  had  unlonc  me." 

'•Then  if  so,  why  the  cold,  the  n\  >rtifying  reserve,  you  manifested  when  we 
met  at  dinner  at  my  uncle's  table  ?  ■ 

••  Because  1  had  also  recoUccte  1  that,  '^  'graded  as  I  was,  I  ought  not  to  seek 
the  love  of  an  honorable  man,  and  that  to  win  you  to  my  interest  would  be 
of  no  avail,  as,  separated  Vjy  the  national  quairel,  you  could  not  by  any  possi- 
bility be  near  to  aid  me  in  my  plans." 

'•Then,"  said  Gerald  reproachfully,  "'  it  was  merely  to  mako  mo  an  instru 
mcnt  of  vengeance  that  you  sought  me.     Unkind  Matilda  !" 

''  Nay,  Gerald — recollect,  that  then  I  had  not  learnt  to  know  you  as  I  do 
now — i  Avili  not  deny  that  when  first  I  .saw  you,  a  secret  instinct  told  me  you 
were  one  whom  F,  would  have  deeply  loved  had  I  never  loved  before  ;  but  be- 
trayed and  disappointed  as  F  had  been,  T  looked  upon  all  men  with  a  species 
of  loallnng — my  kind,  good,  excellent  more  than  f  ither.  excepted — and  yet, 
Gerald,  there  were  moments  when  I  wished  even  him  dead"  (Gerald  started) 
— "  yes  !  dead — because  I  knew  the  anguish  that  would  crush  his  heart,  if  ho 
should  ever  learn  that  the  false  brand  of  the  assassin  had  been  affixed  to  tho 
brow  of  his  adopted  child."  Matilda  sighed  profoundly,  and  then  resumed. 
'•Later,  however,  when  the  absence  of  its  object  had  in  some  degree  abated  tho 
keenness  of  my  thirst  for  revenge,  r.nd  when  more  frequent  intercourse  had 
made  me  acquainted  with  tho  generous  qualities  of  youi  mind.  I  loved  you, 
Gerald,  although  I  would  not  avow  it,  with  a  fervor  I  had  neyer  believed  my- 
self a  .second  time  capable  of  entertaining." 

Again  the  counten.ance  of  Matilda  was  radiant  with  the  expression  just  alln 
ded  io  by  her  lover.    Gerald  gazed  at  her  as  though  his  very  being  hung  iipon 
tho  continuance  of  that  fascinating  influence,  and  again   ho  clasped  her  to 
his  heart.  • 

"  Matilda !  oh,  my  own  betrothed  Matilda !"  he  murmured. 

"Yes.  your  owu  betrothed,"  repeated  the  American,  highly  excited,  "  ih« 


171 


M  A  T 1 1.  n  \    M  (t  N  r  a  (i  M  K  ti  I K  ;   o  n « 


wifi>  of  y..tit  nfli'ctioM  r.ml  vnin"  ohoii-o,  wlio  huP  boon  hoM  lip  to  cvilumny  and 
•ooni.  riitn'>  v.r  fill),  (iiMiilil  ;  sin' on  wli  m'  fond  Ito'imu  yon  jiio  to  icpoMO 
yoiU'  Hi"'  "vj;  lnMii,  slit'  who  ulorji's  it\  licr  ln'iiiily  only  Im'iiuimo  it  im  limuly  in 
\m\'  pyps,  lins  l'«»(M»  lM'ti'(»y.«l.  noi'iiscil  of  iv  vilo  piiMsion  (or  ii  nliivt»  ;  yi«l  lie—- 
tlio  (ii'li'l  \vl\o  li.is  iloiii'liiiH  riiovoii*  vvroii,., — lio  who  Ims  H(;»ni|i('tl  your  wif« 
witli  iciii'iiiiMv.  !in  1  .'MMi  |iul>lr^lii'(l  IiiM-  sliiiinc  — wlill  livo-j,  Witliin  n  woiU,  ' 
nll«»  I'l'siinii'il  m  It  voioo  lioin<i'  lioin  (•Nlnmstioti.  "  Yom,  williin  n  wovU,  (l'>i(ilil, 
li»>  will  l>.»  Itci-c — pcili.ips  (o  (loiulo  jui'l  oonU'imi  yon  lor  (lio  i-lioioo  you 
luivo  iivvdo." 

"  Wtfhin  A  wci'K  111'  (li("<,"'  ('Vi'iiiiincil  llio  yonlli.  "  Mnliltlu,  rot.ii'  wliiit 
will,  lio  ilu'-J  l,il>'  1  ■.  (li'alh  wKlioni  yon,  miil  with  yon  rvi'u  rriiin' may  sit 
lightly  on  iiiv  soul.  Unt.  wo  will  liy  iiir  (Votii  tlio  hnliilutioiiH  of  men.  Tho 
fiM\v»t  kIihU  hi'  n\\  hoMU',  luvl  wln-n  llh'i)  si  ri'ciiiH  fo  im»  yon  hIiiiII  siiiito  upon 
\\\o  u'.h  (h;U  smilt',  loiiK  upon  \\w  wi(h  .t.,v(,  look,  uii'l  I  will  loriri't,  nil.  Yrn," 
ho  pi.rsnoii,  wilh  n  (lonv  oxcitoinoni.  siV.U'hiiijr  up  tho  I  'v  hooU,  mul  iicum 
rrtViyin<r  it  (o  his  lips,  "  onco  cuno  I  lopottt  my  oiith.  Mo  who  lins  (Inm 
XtroM'jvd  yt»n,  mv  own  MntiMa,  dies— iIiok  hy  tho  hinul  of  (ioriihl  (iranlhinu 
—of  vonr  alV  nn\'<l  hnsh.nnt." 

riic'iv'  was  an>'tlu M  Ion •;•  cmhraoo.  (ilYor  wh.ioh  tlio  plan  of  opcratioiiM  was 
distiuotly  oxp'.amoit  and  tl.'cidod  upon,  'Ihoy  then  wpnralod  for  tho  ni^rhi  — 
tho  infatnitod  (Jorald.  with  a  load  offvoilf  at  his  hoait  no  oHoil  of  his  lotison 
r»>nld  ivmovo,  rolnrniiivr  l>y  'lo  route  iio  had  followod  on  Iho  pivci'diiig  ovou- 
iiijj;  io  l\is  ivsidonoo  m  tho  ("wn. 


(^iivrrKu  XXVIII. 

r.KXViNQ  tho  lost  tlorald  tor  a  time  to  all  fho  IiorrorH  of  his  posilion,  m 
wh'v'h  il  would  hi'  ditViiMilt  to  say  whothor  romoiso  or  passion  (each  iiitciiscMt 
rtf  lis  km.l)  prodominalod,  lot  iis  nuini  lo  tin- :mmu'  whoro  wo  lirsl  inlro- 
iliwd  him  io  t'.ii'  roadt-r.  and  taUo  a  ii'\  iow  of  Iho  military  ovonls  passiii};  in 
t!\!tt  qu.vrtor. 

.\lu'r  iho  ili'l\:\t  of  tlio  Unlish  oolnmns  at  Sandiiskv.  so  fir  from  any  ro- 
nowod  attojvpts  hiin:i  mado  to  .iilornipt  tlio  oiniiiy  in  his  .stiotiL'.holi!^  it.  ho- 
oamo  a  quosOon  wholhor  tUo  pi'siliou  on  tlio  Mii-hi^vJm  frontier  could  ho  niui'li 
laniriT  prosorvod.  To  tho  pcrsovoranoo  ii'id  promplitn  io  id' iho  Anniicuns,  in 
hriiiL'.in;r  now  annios  into  tho  tiold,  wo  havo  alroady  had  tvcasion  to  alhido  ; 
bnt  thviv  was  anotlu'r  ipiartor  in  whioh  ihoir  stron;,;lh  had  insonsihly  y,;ilhond, 
«ntil  it  ovontnaliy  nssumcd  on  asrcot  th.'tt  carried  a|)piehoiision  to  overy  lioart. 
Snuv  tho  loss  of  thoir  tlnCilla  a!  Detroit,  in  Iho  proci'iiiiij;'  year,  tho  Auierieans 
had  eommomvd  with  vi>:onr  to  O'piip  one  nt  Huilalo,  which  was  intended  lo 
surpass  ilu'  naval  torco  on  l.,iko  Krie  ;  and  so  silently  and  caniionsly  Ii.vd  they 
n»\vmpii>hod  tliis  taslv.  ihat  it  was  scarcely  known  at  Aiiihorstbiiri^  that  a 
pqn.idivn  was  in  tho  Ovmrso  of  preparation,  when  that  stpiadron,  '.o  wliieh  had 
Iv.vn  aditod  tho  .schooner  ca|itnred  I'rom  txorald  (Jrantham  lh<'  precedinjr  aii- 
tnnm.  snddenlv  ajipeaivil  oil  the  harhur,  di'lyitii;'  their  onemii-s  lo  Itu-  '.'oiiih.at, 
l>ut  the  Kns;iish  ves.siis  woiv  in  no  conihtiun  to  copo  witli  .so  pow<rfnl  ui\ 
enemy.  ai\.l  .ilthonjih  many  a  jrallant  spirit  hnrned  to  he  led  npiinst  tiioso 
who  so  evidently  tannied  them,  tho  satety  of  tho  garri.sons  depended  too  luiu'h 
on  tho  issuo.  for  that  i.ssiie  to  bo  li;^litly  tempted. 

Ihit  mi^iortlIno  was  now  be^jiiniiii;  to  ovi  roast  tlie  hitherto  fair  prosjXTt.s 
of  the  British  arms  in  tho  Wostorn  District  of  tlio  Canada!};  nml  what  tho 
taunts  of  an  oitouiy.  triiiniphiiis:;  in  tho  co:':«donsness  of  a  superior  nnmericnl 
fon.v.  ovm'.d  not  oifect.  an  iiauerativo  and  mi.seiably  jirovided-for  luctssity 
evontuaily  ixiinpellod.  Mainfaniinsr  as  they  did  a  I;.ri:o  li^dy  of  wild  and  rock- 
K'ss  w.irrior.s,  together  with  their  f.imilics.  il  may  bo  nitur.ally  supjiosid  tlie 
excesses  of  these  poo^'Jc  were  lut  few;  but  ft  would  have  veqniivd  om  tu 


IW 


m 


T H  K    r  k  o r H  p «:  V    vin.v  i\,i.kp. 


I7."> 


bav  >»(»»n,  f<»  li:iv«*  liolii'Vt'il,  I.Ik^  |ii<)'li[';fil  wumIo  of  wliich  (Iioy  w<'r<»  oflcti  I'uill^ , 
A<'Itfi(»vvl('(l)fin":  no  nllicr  ItiW  lluiii  (I'l'lr  own  will,  fullnwiu!?  no  uMm  r  Iiim«  of 
rniiiliii'l  (liiiii  lliiif,  iMVin'^ti'il  Itv  tli'ir  own  riifiricn,  llicy  IukI  ii  ;  JilM"  ^r■^|H'(•^, 
for  till' ('iiiiii'li;iii  iiiliiilMldiit  n^  (lii'y  utmld  hnvfi  I'lil.i  rl;iii(i"irMr  tlmfc  of  lli'i 
AiiU'l'ii'iin  f'luMiiy.  Ami  liciicn  It  riwnlfpil,  llmt  if  iiti  linlifiK  |)i'i'l'cirntl  a  pi'"''" 
oflVcsli,  In  llic  KiiltiMl  ini'fif  iliiily  kmifvl  Imin  Itm  eommi';!  unnt,  iioHiirin  \\n>^ 
itinri' nitiiiniin  ilinii  lor  liitii  !'•  kill  llw  lii'tl.  ImuiI  of  r-iiKJc  li-  (iiuiifl ''ru/ii't? 
«Mi  til"'  '■kilt,  of  till'  forcMt,  Ncciiii"  llin  Hiiiull  (loilion  he  uunlfil,  mi'l  It'iivo  tliti 
i'('m!iiii(l"i'  to  st'ivo  iiH  ciiirioii  to  tht!  Ijinl.^  M'  |in'y  of  Mn!  roiiiitry.  Niif,  to 
wiicli  nil  rxtrnt  ivim  MiIm  wiuitoii  N)io!i(iti()n  nirrioil,  tiint.  irmtiiiic.''H  hnvo  ntjionlr' 
i'tlly  occMirciI  wliiri'iii  fiillli'  liiivi'  lifcii  Mlaiii  iiti'l  li  fl  to  piiliify  in  lln-  ttiin, 
iMi'ii'ly  liccMiim'  a  wmiior  lonnd  it.  IIm>  iiiomI,  ('(iiivciiii'iii,  iiioilti  liy  whlrli  t.o  poA- 
«i'KH  liiiiiwi'lf  of  II  powdiT  lioiii.  All  lliirt  wim  <lniin  opcnly—m  l)i«  hron'i  fm-M 
of  iliiy,  iiimI  ill  tin*  full  c'o;,riiiK!mfo  of  Mn"  iiutlioritli'A ;  yd,  wim  Merc  lu)  (no- 
vision  niiiilo  ti)  iii<M>t,  llio  ilillli'iilticN  Ko  jrnilt,y  a  wji'^lc  vviis  n'llnin  (vcfilimlly 
fo(nl;iil.  Al,  li'iij^lli  IIk'  fii' I'l,  licifiii  M)  iinilc  ilycif  (ipiciniil,  imd  il,  wn'« 
shortly  iiJIcr  111;'  lir:<l,  iipp'-iiinici!  of  tlni  Aiiifii<;;iii  flf't,  tlinl,  tlio  n'!irf'it.y  <if 
fooii  lii'Sjaii  t,o  l»(>  HO  Kciii'i'ly  fnlt  n.M  to  roinpcl  llio  KhuHhIi  ffpiivlion,  at  nil 
liH'/.iinN.  lo  Icuvc  Mil"  port,  iti  ki'iu'cIi  «>f  Hiii)|>Iic«. 

Al,  this  pi'iioil,  till"  vi'M'-i'l  i|r.",i'fil)fil  in  lli"  (;ojrini''n'Tin<'nt,  of  our  lit'iryr,  nn 
biiviii',;  ('iii'iii.'i'il  Ko  tniicli  of  till'  inti'rcst,  iin'l  nlt<'iii,ioii  of  nil  psirticM.  Iih'I  just 
Ih'cu  lunmlu'd  mul  rijj;;!;!''!.  I'ropcrly  urin'-il  xlio  wun  not,  for  tin th  wi-rii  no 
gniis  of  till!  tii'.'^rription  ii'^ril  nu  wliip  lionnl  wlH'mwilli  to  iinn  her;  Jnit  now 
thut  till' oi'cji'^ion  hi'i'iiiiKi  iiiipi'iiiiiv",  rill  nici'tv  whm 'liKr^'i.rnnlcd  in  tlio  cfpiii)- 
men!  ;  iiml  ;;nii'<  tliiit  hili'ly  l)ii«Ui'ii  from  tiii-  mtiipirt-i  of  tlio  fort  wri!  worn 
to  1(0  WM'n  prolni'linfi:  their  Ion;;  onil.  uiu'ijuii!  ijccUh  from  tho  porti.  Hho  wiih 
a  f!;iilliuit  ship,  iiotwith.^tiui'liiifi;  llic  iiwonrmit/  of  hir  nriiininciit.  fui'l  Iki'I  her 
I, rave  ryrw  po^-jcs'-i'il  liiit  t'l"  cNpt'rii'ii'""  of  Ihn  •''  who  nic  nurs'vl  on  tiw-  Kalt 
waves  of  oc'iiii,  niii^ht  hav(>  I'oiifMit  aiiiori'  foi  Iniiiito  fijrlit  (ii.  Iii'ttcr  <»r  a  hravtT 
\vt\H  iiiiposHiltlc)  tlia:i  yhi'  <liil.  I'lit  in  thl^  mIioIo  of  tin;  Kn^^liuli  Meet  thcro 
r"iilil  not  he  comiti'd  throo-Hcorn  iihio  or  iispfrifiiccil  Kcaincn  ;  th(i  romninrlcr 
\'v'"o  <  iiililrcn  of  Ihn  (/'imndian  I.nk'v;,  wjirtn  with  Ihc  dcHiru  to  diHtinu'.iii»^li 
lIn'ins('lv('H  in  tin'  i-yi';!  of  llvir  more,  vcti'i'im  Ijiropcnii  nofiifuinions,  hut  with- 
out till-  Knowltvi;^'.  to  inakf  'h<'ir  nithusifc^ni  !-.iiHi<^i' Mly  uvnilnhif*.  Thu 
Aini'ric'ui^,  on  tim  (•initrdrv,  were  all  Kon;-;  of  thu  o-'-aii  and  oqinlly  hravc. 

It,  vMis  II  t.dori(Mis  day  in  Si  pN'mhcr,  thn  hcanlifui  .'r'ptctii!i<T  of  I  lanada.  wh'U) 
tlic  i',alhiiii  Coniinodorn  |{,iri-lMy  sailed  with  hi'<  ll'i  t,  oHtcuHdiiy  in  fiiifilrrxint 
of  tlic  .ni.-^.ion  r)r  which  it  wiih  (lispati;h(;i|,  hut  in  nmiil.y  iind(;r  tho  linn  «^■<- 
;•  cttionof  hi'inj";  provokcil  to  action  hy  hin  Htron^cr  and  hclt'.r  disciplined 
«•)  'iny.  'I'o  say  that  he  w<Mild  liavc*  sooL-ht  lh;it  cir'iiiv.  under  thn  rlinadvan- 
*a}?t'H  hi'iiciith  which  hn  Uww  hini-.clf  lo  lalior,  would  h",  to  ^ay  thnt  M-hieJi 
wiiiild  reflect  little  credit  on  lii'i  jiidj^ment ;  hut,  nlthou'.'h  not  in  a  condition 
to  hold  forth  tlic  H:i'^  if  deliance,  wlwrc  thero  was  an  inferiority  in  all  hut  thr; 
.vkill  of  ihc  leader  and  thu  personal  r;ouraL':<:  of  the  tncn,  ho  was  not  <nic  to 
shim  the  hattle  tliat  .'■Jioiild  he  fotved  upon  hitn.  Still  lo  him  it  wa.s  an  anx- 
ious luoiiu'iit.  hecnii.c  the  I'aui'^  of  other  <!ay<  him;^  upon  an  issue  o'/cr  which 
no  elforts  of  his  own  could  liold  nrislery  ;  and  na  he  (fazed  nt  hi.s  arnilu.^.H 
bIocvc,  he  siij,hcil  for  the  proseiK-e  of  thove  wliose  a;^''ni;y  had  coiip'i;d  thfi  rc- 
rollc(;ti()n  of  past  victory  wilh  that  iniiiilated  ]ii'/of  of  honorahle  conduct. 
He  knew,  moreover,  the  tna;iiiit(ide  oi  the  slnkc  for  which  he  was  thus  coin- 
polled  to  |)lay,  an<i  that  defeat  to  him  would  he  tho  loss  of  th«  whole  of  Ibo 
Western  District.  Wliile  tho  Mritish  ascendancy  could  l»o  inaintainod  on  tlio 
!akc.  there  w;i<i  little  fear,  lined  as  the  foiiists  wen:  with  Indian  warriors,  that 
the  Americans  wouM  push  any  consiilerahlo  force  he.ond  the  houndan*;-.  they 
had  assi^vned  thcm-yjIvetJ  at  tjandusky  and  on  the  Miami ;  hut  a  victory  onco 
obtained  by  their  fie 't.  there  coulrl  he  notliing  to  oppose  the  passage  of  thetr 
urmy  in  vi-ssels  and  hoat.s  across  tlie  lake. 

Sucii  were  the  thoii;,:,hts  that  lil!e<l  lh(>  mind  of  tlie  Commodore  (in  commoa 
Willi  1)11  who  calmly  reasoned  on  the  sulject  ,  as  he  cro.sscU  the  bar  that  sepw 


17G 


MATILDA     MONTOOMKUIE;    OR, 


rated  him  from  his  enemy ;  but  neither  in  look,  nor  word,  nor  deed,  vra« 
thcro  aiijrht  to  reveal  what  was  passini;  in  the  inward  man  ;  and  when  later 
the  hostile-  licet  was  signalized  as  bearing  down  upon  them,  he  gave  his  order 
to  prepare  for  action,  in  the  iiniuiatcd  voice  of  one  who  finds  certain  victoiy 
within  his  reach,  and  exullingly  hastens  to  secure  it. 

The  events  of  that  day  the  page  of  history  has  already  recorded,  in  terms 
alike  Hattering  to  the  conqneior  and  the  conquered.  l>et  it  sujiice  that  tho 
Americans  faught  with  determined  bravery,  and  eventually  triumphed. 

The  re.'-ult  of  the  unlucky  contest  was.  as  had  beeu  anticipated,  to  open  a 
free  passage  across  the  lake  to  the  American  armies,  whose  advance  b,y  laud 
had  been  so  repeatedly  and  effectually  checked  on  former  occasions,  as  to  leave 
them  little  inclination  f)r  a  renewal  of  an  attempt  in  that  quarter.  Now  how- 
ever that  they  could  forward  a  fleet  of  boats  under  cover  of  the  guns  of  their 
squadron,  to  the  very  outworks  of  Andierstburg,  the  difficulty  was  at  onco 
removed  ;  and  an  overwhelming  army  of  not  less  than  ten  thousand  men, 
was  speedily  asseml)led  near  Sandusky,  with  a  view  to  the  final  mvasion  of 
Amherstburg  and  consequent  recapture  of  Detroit. 

Under  these  <lisheartening  circumstances — llic  want  of  provisions  bein^ 
daily  more  and  more  felt  by  the  troops  and  inhabitants — it  became  necessary 
to  hold  a  council  of  war.  to  determine  upon  the  course  that  .should  be  piu'sucd. 
Acccrdingly  the  whole  of  the  chiefs  ami  officers  of  the  garrison  met  in  the  hall 
alrea<ly  descril)ed  in  tlie  beginning  of  our  narrative,  when  it  was  proposed  by 
(iencra!  Proctor,  at  the  conclusitiu  of  a  speech  in  which  the  increasing  di'li- 
culties  anrl  privations  of  the  garrison  were  emphatically  enumerated,  that  the 
fortifications  sliould  be  razed  to  the  ground,  the  dock  yards  and  other  public 
woiks  destroyed,  and  the  allied  forces  of  English  and  Indians  make  the  best 
of  their  way  by  land  to  join  t'lc  centre  division  of  the  army  on  the  Niagara 
frontier. 

This  wa.s  warmly  opposed  by  Tccuniseh,  iHit  despite  his  cloqu  i  tnd  re- 
monstrance,' a  few  days  later,  and  the  work  of  destruction  was  entercil  upon 
and  soon  completed.  Tho  little  Britisli  army,  .scarcely  -'xcceding  eight  hun- 
dred men  of  all  arms,  coinmcnced  its  march  at  night,  lighted  b}''  the  flames  cf 
the  barracks  which  had  given  thcra  shelter  for  the  last  time.  As  they  pa.ssed 
the  fort  of  Detroit  tho  next  day,  dense  columns  of  smoke  and  flame  were  to 
be  seen  rising  high  in  air,  from  the  various  public  edifices,  allbniing  a  melan- 
choly evidence  of  the  destruction  which  usually  tracks  a  retivating  arm^v. 
Many  an  American  inhabitant  looked  on  at  t!ie  work  of  destruction,  as  if  he 
would  fain  have  arrested  the  progress  of  an  clement  which  at  once  defaced  the 
beauty  of  the  tov.-n,  and  promised  much  trouble  ami  inconvenience  to  tho.se 
whom  they  knew  to  be  at  hand,  fur  their  final  deliverance  from  the  British 
yoke.  But  tho  garrison  continued  stern  spectators  of  tlie  ruin  they  had  been 
compelled  to  effect,  mitil  the  flames  had  attained  a  power  which  rendered  their 
suppres.xiou  an  impossibility  ;  then  and  then  only,  did  Ihc}'  quit  the  .scene  of 
conflagration,  and  embarking  in  the  boats  which  had  been  kept  in  readiness 
for  their  transport.  Joined  their  conuades,  who  wailed  for  them  on  the  oppo- 
site bank.  The  two  garrisons  thus  united ;  the  whole  pieccded  by  a  lai'ge 
body  of  Indians,  were  pushed  forward  to  the  position  which  liad  been  selected 
on  the  Thames,  and  both  .shores  of  the  Detroit  were  left  an  unresisting  con- 
quest to  the  Americans. 

Meanwhile,  the.so  latter  had  not  l>een  slow  in  profiting  b}-  the  important 
advantages  which  had  crowned  their  arms  on  the  lake.  On  the  third  day 
after  the  retreat  of  the  British  garrison  fior.i  Amherstburg,  a  immerous  fleet 
of  large  boats  was  di.^covered  from  the  town  im.-hing  lor  llarlley's  point, 
uivder  cover  of  tlic  united  stjuadrons.  Unopposed  as  ti.esc  were,  their  landing 
was  soon  cllected,  and  a  few  hours  bter  the  American  stars  were  to  )»c  .seen 
floating  over  the  still  smoking  ruins  of  the  British  fortress.  Endjoldeiitd  f>y 
the  une.vpected  ea.^e  w  ith  which  he  had  rendered  him.self  finally  master  of  a 
position  long  coveted,  tho  American  (leneral  at  once  resolved  to  follow  and 
bring  his  retreating  enemy  to  action  if  possible.     A  force  of  five  thousand  meu 


THE     PROPHECY     FUEFILLED. 


17? 


■^  con- 

)ortant 

iti  (lay 

us  ik'ot 

point, 

aud!nj» 

>f  sc'oa 

lied  by 

er  of  a 

)\v  it  11(1 


(Rflccn  hunilrcd  of  whom  wctq  monntcfl  rifles)  was  jiocordin{»]y  pushed  for* 
vrard ;  and  so  rapid  and  iudefatia;able  was  tho  march  of  those,  that  they  camo 
up  with  the  rctroatinc;  columns  bctViro  thov  had  succeeded  in  r^aininp;  the  villa;j;e. 
at  whif'h  it  was  purposed  that  their  final  stand  sliould  be  made.  The  anxiety 
of  General  Proctor  to  save  the  bagiJiage  wapi^^ons  containing?  liis  own  personal 
effects,  had  been  productive  of  the  most  culpable  dela\',  and  at  the  monjent  when 
liis  littifc  army  should  have  been  under  cover  of  eiitreiichinents.  and  in  a  posi- 
tion which  otfered  a  varict}'  of  natural  defensive  advantai^es.  they  found  them- 
selves suddenly  overtaken  b}'  the  enemy  in  the  heart  of  a  tliiclc  wood,  where, 
fatigued  by  the  long  and  tedious  march  they  had  made  under  circumstances  of 
groat  privation,  tliey  had  .scarcely  time  to  form  in  the  irrey;ular  manner  per- 
mitted by  tlieir  broken  position,  before  tlicy  found  themselves  attacked  with 
(prcat  spirit  and  on  all  .sides,  by  a  force  more  than  quadruple  their  own.  Thd 
fcsult  may  easily  be  anticipated.  Abandoned  by  their  (ieneral,  wlio  at  tho 
very  first  outset,  drove  his  .spurs  into  the  Hanks  of  his  charj^er  and  fled  dis- 
gracefully from  the  .^lene  of  action,  followed  by  the  whole  of  his  personal  stall', 
the  irreirularly  formed  line  of  tho  little  JJritisli  army,  was  but  ill  prepared  to 
make  effectual  resistance  to  the  almost  invisible  enemy  by  whom  it  was  en 
compassed  ;  an<l  those  whom  the  riHe  had  spared,  were  to  be  seen,  within  an 
hour  fi-om  the  firing  of  the  first  shot,  standing  conquered  and  disarmed,  be- 
tween the  closing  lines  of  the  victorious  Americans, 

But  although  the  English  troops  (sacriticod  as  they  must  be  pronounced  to 
have  been,  by  their  incapable  leader)  fell  thus  an  easy  prcj*  to  the  overwhelm- 
ing force  brought  against  them,  so  did  not  their  Indian  allies,  supported  and 
encouraged  as  the.se  were  by  tho  presence  of  their  beloved  Chieftain.  It  wag 
with  a  sparkling  eye  and  a  glowing  cfx'ck  that,  just  as  the  English  troops 
had  halted  to  give  unequal  battle  to  their  pursuers,  Tecumseh  passed  along 
the  line,  expressing  in  animated  language  the  delight  lie  fek  at  the  forthcom- 
ing .struegle,  and  when  he  h.ad  shaken  hands  with  most  of  the  olliccrs  ho 
moved  into  the  dense  forest  where  his  futhful  bands  were  lying  concealed, 
with  a  bounding  step  that  proved  not  only  hovr  much  his  heart  had  been  set 
upon  the  cast,  tiut  how  completely  he  confided  iii  the  n.-sult.  And  who  shall 
say  what  that  result  might  not  have  been  even  notwithstanding  the  discom- 
Uture  of  the  English  had  the  heroic  Ciiieftain  been  spared  to  his  devoted 
country!  lint  this  was  not  fated  to  be.  Early  in  t!ie  action  lie  fell  by  the 
hand  of  a  distinguished  leader  of  the  enemy,  and  his  death  carried,  as  it  could 
not  fail  to  do.  the  deepest  .sorrow  and  dismay  into  the  hearts  of  his  followers, 
who  although  they  continued  the  action  long  after  his  fall,  and  with  a  spirit 
that  proved  their  desire  to  avenge  the  loss  of  their  noble  leader,  it  was  evident, 
wanted  the  directing  genius  of  him  they  mourned  to  sustain  tlicra  m  their  ef- 
fort. For  several  days  after  the  action  did  they  continue  to  hang  upon  th» 
American  rear,  as  the  army  again  retired  with  its prison-rs upon  Detroit;  bufc 
each  day  their  att.ack  became  feebler  and  feebler,  announcing  that  their  nunir 
b«js  were  fast  dispersing  into  the  trackless  region  from  which  they  had  bee* 
brought,  until  finally  not  a  shot  was  to  bo  heard  disturbing  the  night  vigils 
of  th  !  American  f^entinels. 

With  the  defeat  of  the  IJritisIi  army,  and  tho  death  of  Tecumseh,  perished: 
tho  last  hopa  of  the  Indians  to  .sustain  themselves  as  a  people  against  the  in- 
roads of  their  oppressors.  Dispirited  an<l  dismayed,  they  retired  back  upon 
the  hunting  grounds  which  still  remained  to  them,  and  there  gave  way  botb) 
to  the  deep  grief  with  which  every  heart  was  overwhelmed  at  the  loss  of  their 
truly  gr'jat  leader,  and  to  the  sad  anticipations  which  the  increasing  ghK>i» 
that  clouded  the  horizon  of  Deir  prospects  naturally  iniluced. 


13 


J?9 


MATIT.DA     MONTOOMKUIK:     OR, 


ciiAi'rEiixxrx. 


Tun  inti't  ricw  so  f!ifal  in  its  r^'snUs  to  CJcruM's  lonjr  fornittl  rosolntu  ns  >f 
Tin  lions  pin'poso  \va><  followcvl  by  otli<.-i'H  of  tlif  snun'  iloscription,  anil  in  flu? 
ronrso  of  (li(>s(<.  iVliilildu.  profiliint  by  lior  kiiowlciliv*  "f  <li"  pijst,  liml  t,)i(^ 
nddrcss  «o  fo  rivet,  tlic  cliains  wli  r\\  fi'ttcrdi  tin'  si'nscH  of  Iwt  lovor.  by  n  Wfll- 
linicil.  i>,ltlion<.rli  (ipp;ivi'nHy  nnintcntioniil  (li-^jil.'iv  of  |,li(<  bcimty  wliicli  Inul  on- 
8luvi'(l  liiin,  tli:i(  so  fir  from  sln-inl<ina:  from  tlio  fnllilmi'nt  of  tlu<  dnvitlfnl  oh- 
lijjiition  lii>  li;ul  imposcil  up(m  himself,  tlie  rcsolntion  of  the  yonl,Ii  UccJimo 
moro  fonfirmed  as  tlio  period  for  its  enactment  drew  nii^lior.  Thoro  wero 
inotnents  when,  Iiis  pn-^sion  worked  nj)  to  intensity  by  the  ever-varyin!:, 
ovor-exeilin'_v  pietnre  of  Hint  beanlv,  wonM  iiav(<  antii'ipateil  the  eondition  on 
wliieh  lie  was  to  beeoine  possi^ssed  of  it  for  ever,  bnt,  on  th«>se  oeeasions  tlio 
Amerii'an  wonld  assnme  an  air  of  wonnded  di;;;nitj',  sonn'tini'VT  of  di-ep  sorrow  ; 
nnd  nllniinsr  to  the  manner  in  which  her  former  conllilenei*  Jmd  been  rep!\id, 
rcproaeli  him  with  a  want  of  "generosity,  in  Hcukinj;  to  make  her  past  weak- 
ness a  pretext  for  his  present  ailvanees. 

At  K>n:xth  the  day  arrived  when  (lerahl — the  onee  liich.  jjenerous  and  noblo 
mind(>d  (Jer;\ld. — wivs  to  steep  liis  sonl  in  .c;nilt — to  imbrue  bis  bands  in  tlio 
life  blood  i)f  .'i  fellow  c.reat  ore.  'I'he  sedneer  of  iNIatilda  h:id  arrived,  nnd  even 
in  the  hotel  in  which  <hvinlliam  resided,  the  entert:»inm(>nt  was  t<>  be  jjiven 
hy  his  apinwiii't  fellow  citizens,  in  oominenioration  of  the  heroism  which  bad 
won  to  bim  troldcn  opinions  from  every  class.  It  bad  already  been  arranijed 
that  the  a^^^assniJition  w;is  to  lake  plnce  on  the  depiirtnre  of  their  victim  from 
tho  liaiupiet,  and  conseriuently  at  a  moment  when,  c.v  rcome  by  the  fum<^  of 
wine,  he  wonld  be  found  incvipable  of  opposin",!:  any  serious  rosistaneo  to  thoir 
♦lesijrn.  The  better  to  facilitate  his  close  nnd  nnperceived  approach  to  llie  nn- 
bnppy  mun,  a  pair  of  doth  slioes  had  been  made  f )r  her  lover  by  the  whito 
liands  o(  Matilda,  with  ii  sort  of  hood  or  capuchin  of  the  same  matcM'ial,  to 
prevent  reeornition  by  any  ouc.  wlio  mi'.i;ht  accidentally  p:iss  him  on  the  way 
to  the  scene  of  the  <H>ntemp!ated  »n>irdcr.  Much  as  (JeraM  objectod  to  it, 
Matilda  had  pevemptorilv  iiisiste<l  on  beinii;  present  herself  to  witness  tho 
execution  of  the  deed,  and  the  same  deseription  of  dis;:;iise  had  been  prepared 
for  herself  Tn  this  resolution  the  American,  indep(>nd  'ntly  of  lier  desire  to 
fortify  tlie  conrasre  of  lier  lover  by  her  presence,  was  actuated  by  another 
jKiwerfnl  nnd  fearful  motive,  which  will  l)0  soon  presently. 

Tiio  private  residence  of  the  ofVicer  was  situated  in  a  remote  part  of  thp 
town,  and  skirting-  that  jtoint  of  the  circular  rid-je  of  bills  \a  liere  the  lisilits  in 
the  liabitaiion  of  Matilda  had  attracted  the  notice  of  Oonald,  on  thetirst  nii^'t 
cf  l>is  ene()nnter.  To  one  who  viewed  it  from  a  distance,  it  wonhl  have  seemeil 
that  tb.e  s\rnmit  of  the  wood -crowned  rid;j:e  must  be  crossed  before  cotnmu- 
nicalion  couM  be  held  between  the  two  dwellinpjs  which  lay  as  it  'vero  back  to 
ba*;k,  on  eitlter  side  of  the  formidable  barrier;  bnt  on  a  nearer  ap])n>a<"h,  a 
fissnie  in  the  hill  nntrht  Iw  observed,  iopt  v.ide  enon;j;h  to  admit  of  a  narrow 
hor.se  track  or  foot  path,  which  wound  its  sinuous  <  ounse  fnun  the  little  valley 
into  tlie  op;Mi  space  I  hat  verged  upon  the  town,  on  fiauiin^  whidi  the  residcnco 
of  tho  American  ofTioer  was  to  be  seen  ri.sinjjc  at  the  tlistance  of  twenty  yards. 
It  was  in  this  patli,  which  liad  been  latterly  pointed  out  to  bim  by  his  guilty 
companion,  that  (icrald  was  to  await  ;he  approach  of  the  intended  victim,  wlio 
on  passin;;  his  place  of  conc.'alment.  w:.s  to  be  cautiou.sly  followed  and  stabbed 
to  the  heart  ore  he  could  <iain  bis  door. 

Fallen  as  was  (lerald  from  his  hiirh  estate  of  honor,  it  was  not  without  n 
deep  sense  of  the  atrocity  of  the  act  iie  was  about  tocommif,  that  be  prepareil 
for  its  aceomplishnient.  It  is  true  that,  yit  Idin";  to  the  .sophistry  of  Matilda's 
ai^nments,  he  was  .sometitnes  led  to  iinayrine  the  aven,irin};  of  her  injuries  an 
imperative  duty  ;  but  such  was  liis  view  of  t lie  subject  only  when  the  spel]  of 
her  prosonoe  wxs  upon  him.    When  restored  toh'u-ahnerand  more  unbiiisscJ 


T  II  V.     V  I!  0  )•  M  r,  (,  V     F  U  I.  r  I  r.  I,  K  D . 


m' 


Juitirmonl,  in  Uio  .solitti'Ic  i»f  his  own  clininlxT,  ron«ricni:o  tP«<imfvl  lirr  sway 
Mvl  iiii  iilim-iiltllil  V  "1  pri'ti'iici'  coiilil  coucm^iI  fr(»!ii  liiiti.ieir  (!i>it  lio  wn«  ahout 
<()  ln'ciiriii'  tliiit  vik'st  <iC  li<'iii;.cs — a  ('(tmmim  nmnliT'T.     Tlicn!  wcro  infitn''nt,<»  . 
ivpii  ulicii  llio  flrt'ii'l  (l('"i|  to  wliii'li  lio  liuil  |tlci|'j;c(l  himself  iiiipcarp'l  in  mich' 
hideous  (Ir(')rtuity.  th;it  in*   fiin  uoiilil  li'ivn  lli'il  on  (he  insfMiif,  fur  from  (ho 
in!liii'ucp  of  hvr  wlio  had  iiiriU-d  him  Id  its  pcriftralion  ;  l)ut  wlxm  tho  fortn 
(•r  Mililda  V'>>i('  to  his  iiiciilal  eve.  ii'iiini'-o.  roiiKcicncc,  ovrry  latciit  priru-iplc 
«>('  vii'liir,  (Hssolvcd  away— and  altlion-rli  hi;  no  h)iv^or  soni'ht  t,o  conrcal  from 
himsplf  that  what  ho  miMhlalcd  was  crim'!  of  Iho  hlackcst  dye,  his  dotorminn-  • 
(i')ii  ((»  scciir"  cut  ire  jio;is('ssion  ()f  tiiat  hcaniy.  fvon  at  th«  ftCnirHCcI  price  of" 
hlo'id,  lii'iMiiic  Itiit  Uu!  mort!  rc-iohifc  and  conlli  lucd. 

'I'll"  iii;;lit  piwioiis  to  (hat  fixed   for  tlio  assaKsirtation  was  pafSMed  hy  Uio 
(rtiilly  (»(>ralil  in   ii  state  of  <lrcadr.;I  excitement.      l/ir<!;o  drops  foil  frotn  his 
f'or'hi.'ad  ill  ajroiiy,  and  when  he  arose  at  a  hite  hour,  his  pale,  cnitieijited  feii- 
tnre-:,  and  waveriii;^;  steji,  hetrayed  how  litil(>  tlie  mind  or  tho  hoily  had  t.Tsled 
of  repos".     AccnUomod,  iiowever.  as   hr.    had    latterly  hein,   to  sustain    hi.s 
fiiiikiii'.;  spirits  hy  urtificini  means,  lie  was  not  lon^f  in  hftvinp;  recoiirs«  to  his 
<voiite(|    slimiilaiifs.     He    called    for  lirandy  to  deaden  the  nentenciS  of  hiM 
fi'i'|iii',rs.  and   ijive  ;-tren,!ilh   to   his  tolterin;^  limhs  ;  and  wlien  he  had  dranU 
ir'-ely  of  this,  he  sallied  fortli  into  the  forest,  where  he  wandered  diwinp;  tho 
(lay.  wirhoiit  other  aim  or  purpose  than  to  hid(!  the  hrand  of  ;.;nilt,  whii  h  fio 
III  most  felt  u(»on  his  hrow,  from  the  cnrions  ira/.e  of  his  follow  men.     ft  was 
<l!irk  when   he  returned   to  the  hotel,  and  as.  on  his  way  to  his  own  private 
iijKirtmeiit,  he  passeil  the  low  larj^o  room  chiefly  used  as  an  ordinary,  the  loiul 
hum  of  voices  which  ni"t  his  ear,  iniii'^led  with  the  drawim?  nf  corks  and  ring- 
lu'j,  of  f!,lasseSj  told  him  tliat  the  entert.iiriment  jirovided  for  his  nncon'jcious 
victiiii  had  alicady  commenced.     Movin'j;  hastily  on,  he  jrained  liis  own  apart- 
ment, and  summoning  one  of  the  domestics,  he  dire<;ted  that  his  own  fnip;ar 
meal  (Lho  I'.rst  lie  liad  tasted  that  day)  should  bo  hron;.;ht  up.     Ihit  even  for 
this  ho  Had  no  apjielite,  nnd  ho  iiad  reoonrso  once  nioro  to  thcstimnlant  for' 
as%istance.      As   the  iii-lit  drew    ,n    lie  p;rcw   more  nervous   and   a}!:itated,  • 
yet  without  ,"it  all  waverui;:;  from  his  [luroo.sc.     At  leir.rth  ten  o'clock  struck. 
It  was  the  hour  at  which  he  hafl  promised  to  issue  forth  to  join  Matilda  in  tho 
path,  there  to  await  the  passaj:;e  of  his  victim  to  his  home.     l[e  cautiously  de- 
wendi'd  the  staircase,  and.  in  the  confusion  Mir.t  reiirncd  amonj^  the  household." 
all  of  wliom  w  rr  too  much  occuiiied  with  the  entertainment  willon  to  heea ' 
the  moveiii'Mits  of  individuals,  .succeeded  in  Rainiiii^  the  street  without  notice. 
The  room  it;  which  the  dinner  was  given  was  en  the  Ki'*>"nd  iioor.  and  lookefl ' 
throu;h  numeroi.s  low  wimlows  into  the  street,  throuiijh  which  fJerald  inn.' I 
nece-;^;irily  pass  to  reach  tln' place  of  lii^:  a[ip'«intinent.    Sounds  of  ioud  revelry 
!iii.\ed  with  laughter  and  the  strains  of  music,  now  i^<ued  from  these,  atte.stinf. 
that  the  hanquet  was  at  its  height,  and  the  wrine  fast  taking;  elfeet  on  its  .seve- 
ral participattu-s. 

A  niouieiif.u  \-  feeliivj:ofvau"ui'.-uriosirv  caused  the  dc^ria  !<;''  vouth  to  glance  his 
pyo  fh..)U'j,h  OK"  of  the  uncurtained  window.s  upon  the  scene  within,  hut. scarcely 
had  he  caught  an  indistinct  and  confused  view  of  the  company,  most  of  wtiom  • 
{:;littered  in  the  jray  trappin;:!;s  of  tnilit;in-  un^nirms,  when  a  secret  and  involun- 
tary dread  of  distiu'^uishinu;  from  his  fliows  the  man  whom  he  was  about  to 
play,  causi'd  him  as  instantaneous!-  to  turn  awT".  Guilty  as  lie  feit  ItimRelf ' 
to  he.  he  could  not  hear  the  thouj;i;t  of  hehoidins  the  features  of  ihe  uidividn:il 
he  ha<l  swot  n  to  destroy.  As  then;  were  crowds  of  the  humbler  citizens  of  the 
place  collected  round  tlie  windows  to  view  the  revelry  within,  neither-  his  ap- 
pearance nor  liis  a(;tion  hid  excited  siirpn--e;  nor.  inde<»d.  wi.s  it  evfn  suspect- 
eel,  habited  as  he  was  in  the  common  ganucnts  of  tlic  country,  tha:  ho  was 
other  thiui  a  native  of  the  town. 

On  p;ainiii;,-  the  narrow  pass  or  lane,  he  found  Matilda  wrapped  in  her  cloak, 
beneath  n  liioh  she  carried  the  d:sq;uise  prepared  for  boll..  The  moon  was  in 
the  last  quarter,  nnd  as  the  Heecy  clouds  pass-d  iwav  from  before  it,  he  rou'ul 
ob.servo  that  the  lips  ami  check  of  the  American  wci'J  almost  livid,  aithoug'. 


180 


MATILDA     M  O  N  T  a  O  M  E  K  I  R ;     OR 


her  cv  .'3  snarlvlcfl  with  docp  montii!  oxcitTncnt.  Neither  nrnko.  3-et  thci» 
breathing  whs  licavy  and  aiidihlo  ti)  each.  Gerald  seated  liimself  on  a  projec- 
tion of  the  hill,  and  reTuovinj;  hix  slioes.  sii))stituted  those  which  Iiis  companion 
had  wron^ht  for  Iiini.  He  tluMi  assnmwl  the  hood,  and  dropi)ii'.j:  his  head 
between  his  hands,  continued  for  some  minutes  in  that  attitude,  buried  in  pro- 
found aI)straction. 

•At  len;:;th  Matilda  approached  him.  She  .seated  herself  at  his  side,  threw 
her  arms  around  his  necic,  called  liiin  in  those  rich  and  scarcliin^  tones  wliich 
were  peculiarly  her  own — her  h-'lnved  and  adiamed  husband  ;  and  biddin;^;  hiin 
ber  firm  of  ]iurpose,  as  ho  valued  the  lives  and  happuiess  of  both,  i)laced  in  hix 
hand  a  small  daq;'j;er,  the  liandle  of  which  was  rich!}'  niounlcd  in  iiilvcr. 
Gerald  clutched  the  naked  weapon  with  a  convulsive  grasp,  wliile  a  hoarse  low 
groan  escaped  him,  and  a<;ain  he  sank  his  lieail  m  silen(,'e  upon  his  chest. 

Nearly  an  liour  had  passed  in  this  manner,  neither  .scekinpj  to  disturb  iho 
thoughts  of  the  o},her.  nor  daring  to  break  the  profound  .silence  that  every 
where  prevailed  around  them.  At  length  a  distant  and  sclitary  footstep  was 
heard,  and  Matilda  sjiranj  to  her  feet,  and  witli  her  head  thrown  eaj^erly  for- 
ward, while  one  Kuiall  foot  alone  supported  the  whole  weight  of  lier  inclined 
.  bo<ly.  g  ized  intently  out  upon  the  open  space,  and  in  the  direction  whence  the 
Rounds  proceeded. 

*'  lie  comes,  Gerald,  lie  comes  !"'  .she  at  length  whispered  in  a  quick  tone. 

Gerald,  who  had  also  risen,  and  now  stood  looking  over  the  shoulder  of  the 
American,  was  not  slow  in  discovering  the  tall  figure  of  a  man,  whose  outline, 
cloaked  even  as  it  was,  bespoke  the  soldier,  moving  in  an  obiiquc  direction 
towards  the  building  alrca<ly  de.scril)ed. 

"  Jt  is  he — too  well  do  I  know  him,"  continued  Jfatilda,  in  the  same  eager 
ret  almost  inaudible  whisper.  '  and  mark  how  inHated  with  the  incense  which 

•  nas  been  heaped  upon  him  this  tii'iht  does  lie  appear.  His  proud  .■:tep  tells  of 
the  ambitious  projects  of  his  vile  heart.  Little  does  he  imagine  that  this  arm 
— and  she  tiglitly  graspcl  that  which  held  the  fatal  dagger — will  crusli  them 
for  ever  in  the  bud.     But  hist  1" 

The  officer  was  now  within  a  few  paces  of  the  patli,  in  the  gloom  of  which 
the  guilty  pair  found  ample  concealnumt.  and  as  lie  drew  nearer  and  nearer, 
their  very  breathing  was  stayed  to  prevent  the  slightest  chance  of  a  discovery 
of  their  pre.sence.  Gerald  suffered  him  to  pass  some  yards  beyond  the 
opening,  and  advanced  with  long  j'et  cautious  strides  across  the  grass  towards 
his  victim.  As  he  moved  thus  noi.selesslj-  along,  he  fancied  that  there  wa,s 
something  in  the  bearing  of  the  figure  that  reminded  him  of  one  lie  had  pre- 
viously known,  but  lie  had  not  time  to  pause  upon  the  circumstance,  for  the 
officer  was  already  within  ten  yards  of  his  own  door,  and  the  <lclay  of  a  single 
moment   would  not  only  dejirive  him  of  the  opfvortunity  on  which  he  had 

.perilled  all  in  this  world  and  in  the  ne.\t,  but  expo.se  himself  and  hi.s  compa- 

.nion  to  the  isrnorniny  of  discovery  and  punishment. 

.  A  single  font  of  ground  now  intervened  between  him  and  the  unhappy  offi- 
cer, whom  wine,  or  abstraction,  or  both,  had  rendered  totally  unconscious  of  his 
danger,  Alreaily  was  the  hand  of  .Gerald  rai.sed  to  .strike  the  tatal  blow — 
unother  moment  an<l  it  would  have  descended,  but  even   in  the  very  act  he 

.found  his  arm  suddenly  arrested.   Turning  quickly  to  sec  who  it  was  who  thus 

.irtterfererl  with  his  purpose,  he  beheld  Matilda. 

'•(ine  moment  stay,"  she  said  in  a  hurried  voice  ;  '•  poor  were  my  revenge 
indeed,  were  he  to  perish  not  knowing  who  planned  his  death."  Then  in  a 
hoarser  tone,  in  which  cou!d  be  detected  the  action  of  the  fiercest  passions  of 

•  the  human  tr.'nd.  "Slanderer — villain — we  meet  again." 

Startled  J     the  sound  of  a  familiar  voice,  the  olHcer  turned  hastilj' round, 

.  •nd  seeing  all  hi.>»  danger  nt  a  s  nglc  glance,  made  i.  movement  of  his  right  hand 

|o  liis  side,  as  if  he  would  !:a^o  grasped  his  sword — but  finding  no  vvea|)on 

there,  he  contented  himself  wiih  throwing  his  left  arm  forward,  covered  with 

the  ample  folds  of  his  cloak,  wi'h  a  view  to  the  defiance  of  his  pcr.son. 

^'Ycs,  Forrester."  coui'iuucd  Matil'da.  in  t lie  same  impassiojK'd  v^jice,  "we 


THE     PROlMmcY     FULFILLED. 


ISI 


ice,  "  we 


moet  apja'm  and  iuark  yoa,"  pullinej  back  the  dissui-io  from  Gerald,  '-'tis  no 
vile  slave,  no  sahio  p.inmiour  l»y  whose  hand  you  die.  villain."  she  pursued,  her 
voice  trembling  with  excitement — "my  own  iinn  should  have  done  tlie  deed, 
but  that  he  wiiose. service  I  have  purciiaso  I  with  tiio  hand  you  rejected  and  de- 
spised, once  baulked  me  of  my  ven.i^eance  wlicn  I  had  deemed  it  most  sei'ur*;, 
liut  enouiih  I  To  his  heart.  Gerald,  noiv  thai  in  the  fulness  of  his  wine  and  his 
ambition,  he  may  the  deeper  feel  the  stingof  death — strike  tohis  heart — whati 
do  you  (alter — 'lo  you  turn  coward  7" 

Gerald  neither  ?iiovim1  nor  spoke  ;  his  upraised  hand  had  sunk  at  his  side  ivt 
tlie  first  asldress  of  Matilda  to  her  enemy,  and  the  da;;<^er  had  fallen  from  his 
hau'l  upon  the  sward,  where  it  might  bo  seen  plitterin^  in  the  rays  of  the  palo 
moon.  His  head  was  bent  upon  his  chest  in  abject  siiame,  and  he  seemed  as 
one  who  \v,\<\  suddenly  been  turned  to  stone. 

''  Genild,  my  h\i.sband  !"  ur^red  Matilda,  rapidly  changinj^  her  tone  into  that 
of  eaiiiest  persuasion,  •'  wheieforc  do  you  jiesitate ?  Am  I  not  your  wife, 
your  own  wife,  ai\d  is  not  yon  monster  the  wretch  who  has  consigned  my  fair 
fame  to  obloquy  for  ever — Gerald  !"  she  added,  impetuously. 

But  the  spell  had  lo.st  its  power,  and  Geraid  continued  immoveable — appa- 
rently tixod  to  the  spot  on  which  he  stood. 

'•  Gerald,  Gerald  !"  repeated  the  oilicer,  with  the  air  of  one  endeavoring  to 
recollect. 

At  the  sound  of  that  voice  Gerald  looked  up.  The  moon  was  at  tliat  mo- 
ment unobscured  by  a  single  cloud,  and  as  the  eyes  of  the  murderer  and  his 
intended  victim  met,  their  recognition  was  mutual  and  perfect. 

"  I  had  never  expected  to  see  Lieutenant  Grantham  figiu'ing  in  tlie  character 
of  an  assassin,"  said  Colonel  Forrester,  in  a  voice  of  deep  and  bitter  reproach, 
•'still  less  to  lind  his  arm  raised  against  the  preserver  of  liis  life,  This^^* 
he  continued,  as  if  speaking  to  himself.  "  will  bo  a  bitter  tale  to  recount  to  hia 
(amilA'." 

"'  Almighty  God,  have  mercy  !"  exclaimed  Gerald  as,  overcome  with  shamo 
and  misery,  ho  threw  himself  upon  tlieenrth  at  its  full  length,  his  head  nearly 
touching  the  feet  of  the  officer.  Then  clasping  his  feet — •  Oh,  Colonel  For- 
restei',  lost,  degraded  as  I  atn,  believe  me  when  I  swear  that  T  knew  not  against 
whom  my  arm  was  to  be  directed.  Nay.  that  you  live  at  this  moment  is  the 
best  evidence  of  the  truth  of  what  I  utter,  for  I  cama  with  a  heart  made  up  to 
murder.     But  yoitr  blood  worlds  could  not  tempt  me  to  spill.'' 

'•  [  believe  you,"  said  the  American  feelingly.  "  Well  do  I  know  the  arts 
of  the  woman  who  seems  to  have  lured  you  into  the  depths  of  crime  ;  yet 
low  as  you  are  fallen.  Lieutenant  (Jrantham — much  as  you  liave  disgraced 
your  country  and  profession,  I  cannot  think  you  would  willinirly  have  sought 
the  iifeof  him  who  saved  your  own.  And  now  rise,  sir.  and  jzain  tlie  pl.iceof 
your  abode,  before  accident  bring  other  eyes  than  my  own  to  be  witnesses  of 
your  shame.  Wo  will  discourse  of  this  to-morrow.  Jleanwhile,  be  satisfied 
with  my  promise  that  your  attempt  shnll  remain  a  .secret  with  nivsi-lf." 

"Whi'.e  he  spoke.  Colonel  Forrester  made  a  movement  as  if  to  depart. 
Aroused  by  the  apprehension  of  losing  her  victim.  Matilda,  who  had  hitherto 
been  an  impatient  listener,  called  wildly  upon  Gerald,  who  had  now  risen,  to 
fulfil  his  compact ;  but  the  youth  turned  from  Kor  with  a  movement  of  die- 
gust,  exclaiming,  with  bitterness — ••  leave  me,  woman,  leave  me  !" 

^fatilila  looked  after  him  for  an  instant  wiUi  an  expres.sion  of  intcnsest 
scorn  ;  then  springing  to,  and  snatching  up  the  dagger,  which  lay  glittering  a 
few  jiaces  from  the  spot  on  which  she  stood,  she  advanced  silently,  but  rapidly 
upon  her  retreating  enemy.  Colonel  Fon'estei-  had  gained  his  tiircshold,  and 
had  already  knocked  for  admittance,  when  he  heard  the  deep  voice  of  Matilda 
D,t  hi^  oar,  exclaiming,  in  a  triumphant  tone,  .^, 

"  Think  you  twice,  then,  to  escape  your  doom,  traitor?" 

Before  he  could  make  an  attempt  to  shield  himself  th?  fatal  steel  had  en- 
tered deep  into  his  side.  Uttering  a  groan,  he  sank  senseless  on  the  steps, 
whither  Gerald,  who  had  watched  the  action  of  his  companion,  had  tlowc.  iu 


IS2 


MATILDA     MONTOOHKRIK;     OK 


thp  hone  of  iirrcfltinp;  tho  Wow.  Confused  voices,  mingled  wilh  the  tiamj)  of 
feet,  were  now  heard  within  tho  hall.'  Presently  the  door  ojjonc'd.  and  ■ 
crowd  of  Kcrvants.  chielly  hlftclc,  appeared  with  lighU.  The  view  of  their 
bleeding  master,  .vldcd  to  tlie  disguise  of  Gerald,  and  the  expression  of  trir- 
uipph  visible  in  the  pale  countenance  of  Matilda,  at  onoe  revealed  the  truth. 
fiy  some  the  fonner  was  home  to  his  apartment,  while  the  j^reater  portion 
busied  themselves  in  securini^  tho  two  latter,  wlio,  howcvor,  niaile  not  tho 
slif^htest  elfort  at  resistance,  but  sufFered  themselves  to  be  borne,  amid  hoot- 
,lnj»s  and  execrations. fiom  the  spot. 

'     The  different  groups  we  have  described  as  beinp:  pnthered  together  in  front 
of  the  hotel,  liad  dispersed  on  the  breaking;  up  of  the  party,  which  Colonel 
Forrester,  in  compliment  to  tho.sc  who  entertained  him,  had  been  one  of  tho 
last  to  quit  ;  so  that  on  passing  through  the  streets,  not  an  idler  was  found  to 
Bwell  the  sable  crowd  that  bore  the  wretched  prisoners  onward  to  the  common 
•.prison  of  the  town.     Just  as  they  had  arrived  at  this  latter,  and  a  tall  and 
•muscular  nep;ro,  apparently  enjoying  some  distinction  in  his  master's  house- 
hold, was  about  to  pull  the  bell  for  admission,  a  man  came  running  breath- 
les.sly  to  the  spot,  aiKl  communicated  to  the  negro  just  mentioned  a  message, 
in  which  the  name  of  Colonel  Forrester  was  distineily  audible  to  the  ear  of 
■Gerald.     A  retrograde  movement  was  the  immediate  consequences  of  this  inter- 
ruption, and  the  party  came  once   more  upon  the  open  space  they  had  so 
.recently  quitted.     Stnpified  with  the  excess  of  ahjectness  in  which  he  had 
continued  plunged,  from  the  moment  of  his  discovery  of  the  identit}'  of  his 
intended  victim,  Gerald  had  moved  unconsciously  and  recklessly  whithersoever 
*his  conductors  led ;  but  now  that  he  expected  to  be  confronted  face  to  faco 
with  the  dying  man,  as  tlie  sudden  alteration  in  the  moveujent  of  the  party 
gave  him  reason  to  appreliend,  he  fel^/or  the  first  time  that  his  position,  bitter 
as  it  was,  might  be  rendered  even  worse.     It  was  a  relief  to  him,  therefore, 
when  he  found  that,  instead  of  taking  the  course  which  led  to  the  residence  of 
Colonel  Forrester,  the  head  of  the  party,  of  which  Matilda  and  himself  were 
•the  centre,  suddenly  diverged  into  the  narrow  lane  which  conducted  to  tho 
residence  of  that  unhappy  woman.     Instead,  however,  of  approaching  this, 
•  Gerald  remarked  that  they  ma<lc  immediately  for  the  fatal  temple.     When 
they  had  reached  this,  the  door  was  opened  by  the  tall  negro  above  described, 
'  who,  with  a  deference  in  his  manner  not  less  at  variance  with  the  occasion 
than  with  the  excited  conduct  of  tho  whole  party  on  their  way  to  tho  prison, 
'  motioned  both  his  prisoners  to  enter.     They  did  so,  and  the  lock  having  been 
'  turned  and  the  key  removed,  they  silently  withdrew. 


t 


CIIArTER  XXX. 


lIoiTRS  passed  away  without  either  of  the  guilty  parties  finding  coutk»o 
4>r  inclination  to  address  the  other.     The  hearts  of  both  were  too  full  for 
Utterance — and  yet  did  they  acknowledge  no  sympathy  in  common,    llemorse, 
■shame,  fear,  regret,  simultaneoasly  assailed  and  weighed  down  the  mind  of 
Gerald.      Triumphant  vengeance,  unmi.\e<l    with  any    apprehension  of  self, 
reigned  exclusively  in  the  bosom  of  Matilda.     Tlie  intense  passi(»n  of  the 
■former,  like  a  mist  that  is  dissipated  before  the  strong  rays  of  the  sim.  had 
•yielded  before  the  masculine  and  practical  display  of  the  energetic  hate  of  it.H 
'object,  while  on  the  contrary  she,  whose  beauty  of  person  was  now  to  him  <i 
thins:  without  price,  acknowledged  no  other  f(rL'Iing  than  contempt  for  tho  va- 
cillating character  of  her  associate.     In  this  onlv  <lid  they  agree,  that  c.ich 
looked  upon  each  in  the  light  of  a  bcins:  sunk  in  crime — steeped  in  dishonor— 
and  while  the  love  of  the  one  v.-as  turned  to  ahnost  loathing  at  the  thoncht, 
the  other  merely  wondered  ho->v  one  so  feeble  of  heart  had  ever  been  linlccd  to 
so  di^terniined  a  purpose.  '      ' 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED. 


183 


Tlie  only  lipjht  adrnitteil  into  tlio  ti'mplo  \nvs  thron;rh  the  window  already 
described,  ind  this  wiis  so  tcc^ilo  as  srarcc^Iy  to  allou'  of  t!ie  more  distant  ohjcclH 
in  thf!  roota  ht'in;?  snen.  Gradually,  as  tlii>  moon  sunk  honoath  the  forest 
rid;re,  the  gloom  increased,  until  in  the  end  ti\e  darknoss  hooamtMilniost  pro- 
found. At  tlieir  first  entrance  Matilda,  enshrouding  herself  in  tljo  folds  of  her 
rloiik.  had  thrown  herself  upon  thi^  sofi  ;  wiiilc  (Jerald  continued  to  p.ice  uf» 
hnd  don'n  the  apartment  with  hurried  steps,  and  ^ii  a  state  of  fejliniij  it  would 
be  u  vain  attempt  to  describe.  It  was  now  for  the  lin^t  time  that,  nninfluenceil 
l)y  passion,  the  miserable  youa;jc  man  liad  leisure  to  reflect  on  tlie  past,  anti 
the  chain  of  fatality  which  had  led  to  his  present  <lis;,^raceful  position.  Ila 
recollected  the  conversation  he  ha<l  held  witli  his  brother  on  the  day  succeed- 
in";;  ins  escape  from  tlie  storm  ;  and  as  the  p!ed!::;e  whidi  had  been  j;iven  in  hi.>» 
name  to  his  dying  father,  that  no  action  of  his  life  should  reflect  dishonor  oii 
liis  family,  now  occurrc'l  to  him  in  all  its  force,  he  groaned  in  agony  of  spirit, 
less  in  apprehension  of  the  fate  tliat  awaited  him.  than  in  .sorrow  and  in  shamo 
that  that  pledge  .should  luve  been  violated.  IJy  a  natural  transition  of  his 
feelings,  his  imagination  recurred  to  the  traditions  connected  with  his  family, 
and  the  dreadful  curse  which  had  been  uttered  by  one  on  whom  his  ancestor 
was  said  to  have  heaped  injtn*y  to  the  very  extinction  of  reason — and  a.s.so- 
ciating  as  he  did  Matilda's  visit  to  the  cottage  at  Detroit,  on  the  memorable 
niglit  when  ho  had  nncon.scioiisly  saved  the  life  of  C(donel  Forrester,  with  thti 
fact  of  her  having  previously  knelt  and  pr.ayed  upon  the  grave  that  was  known 
to  cover  the  ashes  of  the  unhappy  maniac,  Ellen  Ilalloway.  he  felt  a  shudder- 
ing conviction  that  she  was  in  some  way  connected  with  that  wretched  woman. 
In  the  intenseness  of  his  new  desire  to  .satisfy  his  doubts — a  desire  wliich  in  it- 
self partook  of  the  character  of  the  fatality  l)y  which  he  was  beset — he  over- 
came the  repugnance  he  had  hitherto  felt  to  enter  into  conversation  with 
her,  and  advancmj  to  the  couch,  he  seated  himself  upon  its  edge  at  her 
side. 

'•  Matilda,"  he  said,  after  a  few  moments  of  silence,  "  by  all  the  Iovb 
you  once  bore  me,  I  conjure  you  to  answer  me  one  question  while  thcro 
is  time." 

"Fool,"  returned  the  American,  "I  never  loved  yon.  A  soul  liko  mino 
feels  passion  but  once.  Hitherto  T  have  played  a  part,  but  the  drama  ap- 
proaches to  a  close,  and  disguise  of  plot  is  no  longer  necessary.  Gerald  Gran- 
tham, you  have  been  my  dupe.  Yen  came  a  convenient  puppet  to  my  hands, 
and  such  I  used  you  until  the  snapped  wire  proclaimed  you  no  longer  ser- 
viceable— no  fiirthur." 

Shame,  angui.sh,  mortification,  all  the  most  humiliating  sensations  natural 
to  man — for  a  moment  assailed  the  breast  of  the  unfortunate  and  guilty  Gran- 
tham, rendering  him  in.sensiblc  even  to  tlie  greater  evil  wliich  awaited  him. 
In  the  bitterness  of  his  agonj'-,  he  struck  his  clenched  hand  against  his  fore- 
bead,  uttering  curses  upon  himself  for  his  vreakne.ss,  in  one  breath,  and  calling 
upon  his  God,  m  the  next,  to  pardon  him  for  his  crime. 

'•  This  is  good,"  said  Matilda.  '•  To  see  you  writlie  thus,  under  the  woun^i 
inflicted  upon  your  vanity,  is  some  small  atonement  for  the  base  violation  of 
3'our  oath  ;  yet  what  question  would  you  ask,  the  solution  of  which  can  so 
much  import  one  about  to  figure  on  the  scaflbld  for  a  crime  he  has  not  even 
had  the  courage  to  commit?" 

The  taunting  manner  in  which  the  concluding  part  of  the  scnten™  was  con- 
voyed, had  the  effect  of  restoring  Gerald  in  some  degree  to  himself,  and  ho 
said  with  considerable  firmness: 

''  What  I  ask  is  of  3'our.self — namely,  the  relationship,  if  any,  you  bear  to 
tho.se  who  lie  within  the  mound,  on  which  I  behold  you  kneeling  on  the  night 
of  your  first  attempt  on  Colonel  Forrester's  life?" 

"  The  very  recollection  of  that  ill-timed  intrusion  would  prevent  me  from 
satisfying  your  curiosity,  did  not  something  whisper  to  me  that,  in  .so  doing.  I 
shall  add  another  pang  to  those  you  already  experience,"  returned  tho 
AiUcrican,  with  bitter  snrcasm. 


!i4 


MATILDA     MONTOOMERIE;     Olt« 


"  Voii  arc  riRht,"  hhU]  Gerald  hurriedly.  "  Mv  raiscries  need  but  tho 
issuramx!  of  your  counuxion  with  those  inouldorins  bones  to  be  inrluod 
complete." 

"  Then,"  said  ATatiM.i  cacjorly,  and  half  raisinj?  hor  hoad,  "  your  cup  of 
misery  may  yf-t  admit  of  increase.  My  mother  uud  my  father's  mother  both 
Bleep  within  that  prave." 

"  How  know  you  this?"  demanded  Qera'.d  quickly.  "Instinct  cnuld  not 
havcpjuidnd  you  to  the  sjwl.  and  b}'  your  own  admission  you  were  taken  from 
the  pla(;e  of  your  home  while  yet  a  mere  child." 

"  Mot  instinct,  but  my  f  ither  H-'sborouc^h,  pointed  out  th"  spot,  as  ho  ha<l 
lonj?  previously  acquainted  me  with  the  history  of  my  birth." 

"One  (piestion  more — your  (jrandmothpr's  name?" 

_"  Mid  Ellen  she  was  called,  an  En;;lish  soldier's  wife,  who  died  in  giving 
lirth  to  iny  fiither — and  now  that  you  are  answered,  leave  mo," 

"  Almif^hty  Providence  !"  aspirated  Ocrald  in  tones  of  inconceivabl  ','::ony, 
*'it  is  then  as  I  had  feared,  and  this  woman  lias  Destiny  chosen  to  accorapli.'ih 
my  ruin." 

lie  ([uittpil  the  sofa,  and  paced  up  and  down  tlv  room  in  a  state  of  mind 
bordering;  on  distraction.  The  past  crowded  upon  his  mind  in  all  the  confused 
manner  of  a  dream,  and,  amid  the  chaos  of  contendinj^  feelin<»s  by  which  ho 
was  beset,  one  idea  only  was  distinct — namely,  that  the  wretched  woman  be- 
fore him  had  been  but  the  ?.■"^^  of  Fate  in  effectinoj  his  destruction.  Stranf»o 
as  it  may  appear,  the  idea,  so  far  from  inereasinj;  the  acerbity  of  his  feelings, 
had  the  tendency  to  soften  his  he.irt  towards  her.  lie  beheld  in  her  but  a 
bein^  whoso  actions  hiid  been  fated  like  his  own — and  althou2;h  every  vcstigo 
of  passion  had  Had,  even  although  her  surpas.sing  beauty  had  lost  its  subju- 
gating influence,  his  heart  yearned  towards  her  as  one  who,  wrecked  on  tho 
siime  shore,  had  some  claim  to  his  sympathy  .ind  compassion.  .\11  that  wan 
now  i'.'ft  them  was  to  make  their  peace  with  God,  since  with  'man  their  final 
account  would  be  so  speeilily  closed  ;  and  with  a  view  to  impress  her  with  a 
.sense  of  the  r(!ligirf)us  aid  from  which  alone  they  could  hope  for  consolation,  ho 
again  seated  himself  at  her  side  on  the  edge  of  the  sofa. 

"Matilda,"  ho  said,  in  a  voice  in  which  melancholy  and  sternness  wero 
Wendell,  '"  we  liave  been  tho  children  of  guilt — tho  victims  of  onr  own  evil 
passions  ;  but  God  is  merciful,  and  if  our  penitence  be  sincere,  we  may  yet  bo 
forgiven  in  Heaven,  although  on  earth  there  is  no  hope — even  if  after  this  wo 
could  wish  to  live.     Matilda,  let  us  pray  together." 

Thei-e  was  no  answer — neither  did  the  slightest  movement  of  her  P.5rm  in- 
tlicate  consciousness  that  .she  was  addressed.  •'  Matilda,"  repeated  Gerald— 
Btill  there  was  no  answer.  He  placed  his  hand  upon  her  cheek,  and  thought 
the  touch  was  cold — he  caught  her  hand,  it  too  was  cold  and  but  for  the  ab- 
ecnce  of  rigidity  I\o  would  have  deemed  her  dead. 

Scarcely  knowing  what  he  did,  yet  with  an  indt^finable  terror  at  his  heart, 
he  grasped  and  shook  her  by  the  arm,  and  again,  but  with  greater  vehemence, 
|)ronouu3ed  her  name. 

"  Who  calls  ?"  she  said,  in  a  faint  but  deep  tone,  as  she  raised  her  head 
k1ow1\  from  the  cushion  which  supported  it.  '"  Ha !  I  recollect.  Tell  me,'* 
Khe  added  more  quickly.  '  was  not  the  blow  well  aimed.  Marked  you  how 
the  traitor  fell.  Villain,  to  acuse  the  woman  whose  only  fault  was  loving  him 
lot)  well,  with  ignominious  commerce  with  a  slave!" 

"  Wretched  woman,"  exclaimed  Gerald  with  solemn  emphasis,  '•  instead  of 
exulting  over  the  evil  we  have  done,  let  ns  rather  make  our  peace  with 
Heaven,  during  the  HiW  hours  we  have  yet  to  live.  Matilda  Dcsborongh — 
daughter  of  a  murderer;  thyself  a  mtirderess — the  scaffold  awaits  us  both." 

"  Coward — fool — thou  liest,"  she  returned  with  suddenly  awakened  ene«gy. 
"For  one  so  changeling  as  thyself  the  .scaflbld  were  befitting,  but  know,  if  I 
have  had  the  heart  to  do  this  deed,  I  have  also  had  the  head  to  provide  against 
its  wnsequenccs — see — feel — ." 

Cue  of  her  cold  hands  was  extended  in  search  of  Gerald's.    They  met,  anJ 


S'l  but  the 
be  iiirluod 

>ur  c.vfi  of 
lothcr  both 

could  not 
taken  from 

as  }io  had 


in  givmg 


ibl  ',7on7, 
nccoraplish 

;o  of  mind 
10  confused 
'  which  ho 
voman  bc- 
.  Strange 
is  feelings, 

her  but  a 
cry  vestigo 

its  suhju- 
:od  on  tho 
1  that  \va» 
their  final 
ler  with  a 
ulation,  ho 

noss  wero 

own  evil 

lay  yet  bo 

ar  this  wo 

"  hrm  jn- 

Geraid— 
i  thought 
)r  the  ab- 

his  hearf, 
:hemcnco, 

her  head 
Fell  me" 
you  how 
)ving  him 

nstead  of 
'ace  with 
orongh — 

both." 
d  cno»gy. 

now,  if  I 
le  against 

met,  tini 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLKD. 


183 


%  rial  placed  in  the  palm  of  the  latter,  betrayed  tho  secret  of  her  previous  las* 
jiitn'ie  and  insensibility. 

Kvi'u  amid  all  tho  honors  which  environed  him,  and  called  so  largel^r 
for  attention  to  his  own  personal  danger,  Gerald  was  jnoxpiussibly  shockuil. 

''What!  poisoned  7"  he  exclaimed. 

'"Yes — poisoned  !"  .she  murmured,  and  her  hand  again  sank  heavily  at  her 
side. 

Gerald  dashed  the  vial  away  from  him  to  tho  farther  end  of  tho  apartment, 
and  taking  the  cold  hand  of  tho  unha[)py  woman,  he  continued: 

'■  .Matilda — is  this  the  manner  in  which  you  i)repare  yourself  to  meet  tho 
presence  of  your  God.     What!  add  suicide  to  murder?" 

But  she  spoke  not — presently  the  hand  ho  clasped  sank  heavily  from  hiJl 
tot.ch.  Then  there  was  a  spi'smodic  convulsion  of  tho  whole  frame.  Thea 
there  burst  a  piercing  shriek  from  her  lips,  as  she  half  raised  herself  in  agony 
froi'i  'Jie  sofa,  and  then  each  limb  was  set  and  motionless  in  th(?stern  rigidity 
of  death. 

While  Gerald  was  yet  bending  over  the  body  of  his  unfortunate  companion, 
shoL'ked,  grieved  and  agitated  beyond  all  expression,  the  door  of  the  temple 
was  unloeked,  and  a  man  enveloped  in  a  cloak,  and  bearing  a  small  dark  lan- 
tern, suddenly  appeared  in  the  opening,  lie  advanced  towards  tho  Kpot 
where  Gerald,  stupified  with  the  events  of  the  past  night,  stood  gazing  upon 
the  corpse,  almost  imconscious  of  the  presence  of  the  intruder. 

"  A  pretty  fix  you  have  got  into,  Liftenunt  Grantiiam,"  said  the  well  known 
voice  of  Jackson,  "and  I  little  calculated,  when  I  advised  you  to  make  love  to 
tho  Kentucky  gals  to  raise  your  spirits,  that  they  would  lead  you  into  such  a 
ticuced  scrape  as  this." 

"  Captain  Jackson,"  said  Gerald  imploringly ;  "  I  am  sufHciently  aware  of 
all  the  enormity  of  my  crime,  and  am  prepared  to  expiate  it ;  but  in  mercy 
spare  the  bitterness  of  reproach." 

•'  Now  as  I'm  a  true  Tenessco  man,  bred  and  born,  I  meant  no  reproach, 
and  why  should  I,  since  you  could'nt  help  her  doing  it,  and  ho  pointed  to 
iMatilda,  yet  you  know  its  sometimes  dangerous  to  bo  found  in  bad  company. 
Every  body  might'nt  believe  you  so  innocent  as  we  do." 

"  Innocent !  Captain  Jackson,"  exclaimed  Gerald,  losing  sight  of  all 
other  feelings  in  unfeigned  surprise — •"  I  cannot  say  that  I  quite  understand 
you." 

'•  Why,  the  meaning's  plain  enough,  I  take  it.  Others  might  be  apt,  I  say, 
to  think  3'ou  had  something  to  do  with  the  thing  as  well  as  she,  and  thereforo 
its  just  as  well  yo\i  should  make  yourself  scarce.  The  Colonel  says  ho 
wouid'nt  on  any  account,  you  should  even  be  suspected." 

'■  The  Colonel  says — not  suspected,"  again  exclaimed  Gerald  with  incrca?.- 
Jng  astonishment — then,  suddenly  recollecting  the  situation  of  the  latter — 
•*  tell  me."  he  continued,  '"is  Colonel  Forrester  in  danger — is  his  life  despaired 
of?"       '  '  • 

"  Worth  a  dozen  dead  men  yet,  or  yon  wouid'nt  see  me  taking  the  thing  so 
coolly.  The  dagger  certainly  let  the  daylight  into  him,  but  though  the  wound 
Wci.T  pretty  considerably  deep,  the  doctors  say  its  not  mortal.  lie  thinks  it 
might  have  been  worse  if  you  had  not  come  uj),  and  partly  stppped  her  arm 
when  jhe  struck  at  him." 

Gerald  was  deeply  affected  by  what  he  had  just  heard.  It  was  evident  that 
Colonel  Forrostur  had,  with  a  generosity  to  which  no  gratitude  of  his  own 
could  render  adequate  justice,  sought  to  exonerate  him  fnmi  all  suspicion  of 
participation  in  the  guilty  design  upon  his  life,  an  1  as  he  glanced  his  eye  again 
for  a  moment  upon  the  lifeless  form  of  his  companion,  he  was  at  once  sensible 
iba.t  the  only  being  who  could  defeat  tho  benevolent  object  of  his  benefactor 
ivid  now  no  longer  the  power  to  do  so. 

'*She  sleeps  sound  enough  now,"  said  J.icksnn.  again  pointing  to  the  ill- 
fated  and  motionless  girlj  '•  but  she'll  sleep  sounder  yi*  before  lung,  I  tak« 
it." 


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MATILDA     MONTOOMERIK;     OR, 


"  She  will  never  sleep  Rf>\in<Ier  than  at  this  moment,  Captain  Jackso:i,"  sa5d 
Gcr.ilfl.  wilh  solemn  emphasis. 

"  Wliy,  )ou  doti't  moan  to  say  she  has  cheated  the  hangman,  Liftenant." 

As  he  spoki\  .lacksoti  approached  the  sofa,  and  turninq;  the  li^ht  full  upon 
the  face,  saw  indeed  that  she  was  dead.  Gerald  shuddered  as  the  rays  from 
the  lamp  revealed  fir'tiie  first  time  the  appallinrc  change  which  had  been 
wjought  upon  that  once  beautiful  countenance.  The  open  and  finely  formed 
brow  was  d"ep!y  knit,  and  the  features  distorted  by  the  acute  agony  which 
had  wrunc;  tlie  shriek  from  her  heart  at  the  very  moment  of  dissolution,  were 
set  in  a  stern  expression  of  despair.  The  parted  lips  were  drawn  up  at  tho 
corners  in  a  manner  to  convey  tlie  idea  of  the  severest  internal  pain,  and  thera 
was  already  a  genf  ral  discoloration  about  tho  mouth,  betraying  the  subtle  in- 
Uucnccs  of  the  poison  which  had  effected  her  death. 

Gerald  aftcivthc  first  glance,  turned  away  his  head  in  horror  from  the  view ; 
but  the  Aide-de-camp  remained  for  some  moments  calmly  regarding  the  re- 
mains of  all  that  had  once  been  most  beautiful  in  nature. 

"  She  certainly  is  not  like  what  she  was  when  Colonel  Forrester  first  knew 
her,"  he  said,  in  the  abstracted  tone  of  one  talking  without  reference  to  any 
other  auditor  than  himself  j  but  this  comes  of  profering  a  nigger  to  a  whito 
man.     Such  imnatural  courses  never  can  prosper,  I  take  it." 

•'  Captain  Jackson,"  said  Gerald,  aroused  by  his  remark,  and  with  great 
emphasis  of  tone,  while  he  laid  his  hand  impressivel}'  on  the  shoulder  of  tho 
other,  "  you  do  her  wrong.  Guilty  as  she  has  been,  fearfully  guilty,  but  not 
in  the  sense  you  would  imply." 

"  IIuw  do  you  know  this  V"  asked  the  Aide-de-camp. 

"  From  her  own  solemn  declaration  at  a  moment  when  deception  could  avail 
her  not.  Even  before  she  swallowed  the  fatal  poison,  her  liorror  at  tho  im- 
putation, which  drove  her  to  the  perpetration  of  murder,  was  expressed  in 
terms  of  indignant  warmth  that  belong  to  truth  alone." 

"  If  this  be  so,"  said  Jackson,  musingly,  "  she  is  indeed  a  much  injured 
woman,  and  deep  I  know  will  bo  tha  regret  of  Colonel  Forrester  when  ho 
hears  it,  for  he  himself  has  ever  believed  her  guiltj'.  But  come,  Liftenant 
Grantham,  we  have  •)  time  to  lose.  The  day  will  soon  break,  and  I  expect 
you  must  be  a  considerable  way  from  Frankfort  before  sunrise." 

I — from  Fankfort — before  sunrise  !"  exclaimed  Gerald,  in  perfect  astonish- 
ment. 

"  Why,  it's  rather  short  warning  to  be  sure ;  but  the  Colonel  thinks  you'd 
better  start  before  the  thing  gets  wind  in  the  morning ;  for  so  many  of  tho 
niggers  say  you  wore  a  sort  of  a  disguise  as  well  as  the  poor  girl,  he  fears  tho 
citizens  may  suspect  you  of  something  more  than  an  intrigue,  and  insult  you 
desperately." 

"  Generous,  excellent  man .'"  exclaimed  Gerald,  "  how  can  I  ever  repay  this 
most  unmerited  service  ?"  n 

"  Why,  tho  best  way  I  take  it,  is  to  profit  by  the  offer  that  is  made  you  of 
getting  back  to  Canada  as  fast  as  you  can  " 

"  But  how  is  this  to  be  done,  and  will  not  tho  very  fact  of  my  fight  confirm 
the  suspicion  it  is  intended  to  remove  ?" 

"  As  for  the*  matter  of  how  it  is  to  be  done,  Liftenant,  I  have  as  slick  a 
horse  waiting  outside  for  you  as  man  ever  crossed — one  of  the  fleetest  in  Co- 
lonel Forrester's  stud.  Then  as  for  suspicion,  he  means  to  set  that  at  rest,  by 
saying  that  he  has  taken  tipon  himself  to  give  you  leave  to  return  en  parole  to 
your  friends,  who  wish  to  see  you  on  a  case  of  life  and  death,  and  now  let's 
be  moving." 

Oppressed  with  the  weight  of  contending  feelings,  which  this  generous  cor  • 
duct  had  inspired,  Gerald  waited  but  to  cast  a  last  look  upon  the  ill-fated 
Matilda ;  and  then  with  a  slow  step  and  a  heavy  heart  for  ever  quitted  a 
scene  fraught  with  tho  most  exciting  and  the  most  painful  occurrences  of  hix 
life.  The  first  rays  of  early  dawn  beginning  to  develope  themselves  as  they 
issued  from  the  temple,  Jackson  extinguished  his  lamp,  and  leading  through 


THE     PROP  H  EC  Y     FITLFILLED. 


1S1 


were 


the  narrow  pass  that  conducted  to  the  tnn'n,  niado  the  circuit  of  th'i  ridfrc  of 
hills  until  they  arrived  sit  a,  point  where  a  xn^'^ro  (the  same  who  hud  led  tho 
partj'  that  bore  Matilda  an<l  himself  to  tho  temple)  was  in  waiting,  with  a 
horse  ready  saddled  and  the  arms  and  accoiitrcments  of  a  rillfmaJ). 

The  equipment  of  Gerald  was  soon  completed,  and  with  the  shot-baj;  anJ 
powder-horn  slung  over  his  shoulder,  and  the  lonq;  rifle  in  his  hand,  he  soon 
presented  the  appearance  of  a  backwoodsman  hastening  to  tho  theatre  of 
war. 

When  he  had  seated  himself  in  the  saddle,  Jackson  drew  forth  a  wcil  filled 
purse,  which  he  said  he  had  been  directed  by  Colonel  Forrester  to  present  him 
with  to  defray  the  expenses  of  his  journey  to  the  frontier. 

Deeply  affected  by  this  new  proof  of  the  favor  of  the  generous  American, 
Gerald  received  the  purse,  saying,  as  he  confided  them  to  tho  breast  of  his 
hunting  frock — 

"  Captain  Jackson,  tell  Colonel  Forrester  from  me,  that  T  accept  his  present 
merely  because  in  doing  so  I  give  the  liest  evidences  of  my  appreciation  of  aW 
he  has  done  for  nie  on  this  trying  occasion.  Tn  his  own  heart,  however,  ho 
must  look  for  tho  only  reward  to  which  this  most  noble  of  actions  justly 
entitles  him." 

Tho  frank-hearted  Aide-de-camp  promised  compliance  with  this  parting 
massage,  and  after  pointing  out  the  route  it  would  be  necessary  to  follow, 
warmly  pressed  the  hand  of  his  charge  in  a  final  grasp,  that  told  how  little 
ho  deemed  the  man  before  him  capable  of  the  foul  intention  with  which  hia 
60>il  had  been  so  recently  sullied. 

How  often  during  those  hours  of  mad  infatuation,  when  his  weakened  mind 
had  been  balancing  between  the  pos.session  of  Matilda  at  the  price  of  crime, 
and  his  abandonment  of  her  at  that  of  happiness,  had  the  observation  of  tho 
Aide-de-camp,  on  a  former  occasion,  that  he  '■  Was  never  born  te  be  an  assas- 
sin," occurred  to  his  mind,  suffusing  his  cheek  with  shame  and  his  .soul  with 
remonse.  Now,  too,  that  conscious  of  having  fallen  in  all  but  the  positive 
commission  of  the  deed,  he  saw  that  tho  unsuspecting  American  regarded  him 
merely  as  one  whom  accident  or  intrigue  had  made  an  unwilling  witness  of 
the  deadly  act  of  a  desperate  woman,  his  feelings  were  those  of  profound 
abasement  and  self-contempt. 

There  was  a  moment,  when  urged  by  an  involuntary  impulse,  he  wouid 
have  undeceived  Captain  Jackson  as  to  his  positive  share  in  the  transaction ; 
but  pride  suddenly  interposed  and  saved  him  from  the  degra'lation  cf  the  con« 
fession.  He  returned  the  pressure  of  the  American's  hand  with  cmphasiH. 
»nd  then  turning  his  horse  in  the  direction  which  he  had  been  recommcndea 
»o  take,  quitted  Frankfort  for  ever. 


CHAPTER  XXXT. 


In  October  of  the  camo  year,  a  numerous  body  of  Americans,  principally 
troops  of  the  line,  had  been  collected  under  the  orders  of  General  Van  llens- 
sclaer,  and  advantage  was  taken  of  an  extremely  dark  night  to  push  them 
across  tho  river,  with  a  view  to  tho  occupation  of  the  commanding  heights 
above  the  village  of  Qnecnston.  In  this,  favored  by  circumstances,  the  enemy 
were  eminently  successful.  They  carried  the  batteries,  and  at  day-break  the 
heights  were  to  bo  seen  covered  with  their  battalions,  before  whom  wero 
thrown  out  a  considerable  body  of  riflemen.  At  the  first  alarm,  the  little 
detachment  stationed  at  Quecn<to\vn  marched  out  to  dislodge  them  ;  but  such 
was  the  impatient  gallantry  of  General  Brock,  who  had  succeeded  to  the  com- 
mand on  this  line  of  frontier,  that  without  waiting  for  the  main  body  from 
fort  George  to  come  up,  he  ;hrcw  himself  at  the  head  of  tho  Hank  companies 


188 


MAllLDA     MONTOOMERIE  ;    OR, 


of  the  Forty-Ninth,  and  moving  forward  in  double  quick  time,  soon  c&UM 
within  sight  of  the  enemy. 

Anion''  the  General's  aides-de-camp,  was  Henry  Grantham,  vho,  having 
wicceeded  in  makinn;  his  escape  at  the  fafnl  defeat  of  the  Moravian  Village, 
with  a  few  men  of  his  company,  had  in  the  absence  of  his  regiment  (then 
prisoners  of  war),  and  from  considerations  of  personal  esteen),  been  attached 
as  a  supernumerary  to  his  staff.  With  him  at  this  moment  was  the  light- 
hearted  De  Courcy,  and  as  the  youn;;  men  rode  a  little  in  rear  of  their  Chief, 
they  were  so  rapt  in  admiration  of  his  fine  form  and  noble  daring  (as  he  still 
kept  dashing  onward,  far  in  advance  even  ol  the  handful  of  troops  who  fol- 
lowed eagerly  and  rapidly  in  his  rear),  that  they  utterly  forgot  the  dani^er  to 
which  he  was  exposed. 

On  arriving  at  the  ascent,  the  General  for  a  moment  reined  in  his  charger, 
in  order  to  give  time  to  the  rear  to  close  in,  then  removing  and  waving  hia 
plumed  hat. 

"  Hurrah,  Forty-Ninth !"  he  exclaimed,  in  language  suite<l  to  those  he  ad- 
dres.sed.  '•  Up  the.se  heights  lies  our  road — on  ourselves  depends  the  victory 
Not  a  shot  tdl  we  gain  the  summit — then  three  cheers  for  old  England— a 
volley — and  the  bayonet  must  do  the  rest !" 

So  saying,  he  resumed  his  hat ;  and  wheeling  his  horse,  once  more  led  his 
gallant  little  band  up  the  hill. 

T^ut  it  was  not  likely  that  the  Americans  would  sufTer  the  approach  of  so 
determined  an  enemy  without  attempting  to  check  their  progress  in  the  most 
efficient  ti  runner.  Distinguished  from  those  around  him  by  his  commanding 
ttir.  not  less  than  by  the  military  insignia  that  adorned  him,  the  person  of  the 
General  was  at  once  recognised  for  one  bearing  high  rank,  and  as  such  became 
an  object  of  especial  attention  to  the  dispersed  rillemon.  Shot  after  shot  flew 
past  the  undaunted  officer,  carrying  death  into  the  close  ranks  that  followed 
noiselessly  in  his  rear,  yet  without  harming  him.  At  length  he  was  seen  by 
liis  aides-de-camp,  both  of  whom  had  kept  their  eyes  upon  him,  to  rt  d  in  his 
saddle.  An  instant  brought  the  3'oung  men  to  his  side,  De  Courcy  on  his 
right  and  Grantham  on  his  left  hand.  They  looked  up  into  his  face.  It  was 
suffused  with  the  hues  of  death.  A  moment  afterwards  and  he  fell  from  his 
horse,  M-ith  his  head  reclining  upon  the  chest  of  Henry  Grantham.  Thero 
was  a  momentary  halt  in  the  advancing  column ;  all  were  dismayed  at  the 
dreadful  event. 

Dc  Courcy  and  Grantljam,  having  abandoned  their  horses,  now  bore  their 
brloved  leader  to  the  .side  of  the  road,  and  sought  some  spot  out  of  reach  of 
the  enemy's  fire,  wliere  he  might  breathe  his  last  moments  in  peace. 

As  Henry  Grantham  glanoad  his  eye  towards  an  old  untenanted  building, 
that  lay  some  fifty  yards  off  the  road,  and  which  he  conceived  fully  adapted 
to  the  purpose,  he  saw  the  form  of  a  rifleman  partly  exposed  at  a  corner  of 
the  building,  whose  action  at  the  moment  was  evidently  that  of  one  loading 
his  piec^.  The  idea  that  this  skulking  enemy  might  have  been  the  same  who 
had  given  the  fjita'i  death-wound  to  his  beloved  Chief,  addeil  to  the  conviction 
that  he  was  prepaiing  to  renew  the  shot,  filled  him  with  the  deepest  desiro 
of  vengeance.  As  the  bodies  of  several^men,  picked  off  by  the  riflemen,  lay 
along  the  road  (one  at  no  great  distance  from  the  spot  on  which  he  stood), 
Yiv.  liastened  to  secure  tiie  nearest  musket,  which,  as  no  shot  had  been  fired  )\y 
the  English,  he  knew  to  be  loaded. 

Leaving  De  Courcy  to  eupport  ihe  head  of  the  General,  the  young  Aid-de- 
camp moved  \vith  d'le  caution  towards  the  Ivjildiif; ;  but  ere  he  had  goco  te»» 
paces,  he  beheld  th'j  cujcct  ot  his  pursuit  issue  altogether  from  the  covei  o» 
the  building,  and  advance  towards  him  with  his  rifle  on  the  trail.  More  and 
more  convinced  that  his  design  was  to  obtain  a  near  approach,  with  a  view  to 
»  more  certain  aim,  he  suddenly  halted  and  raised  the  musket  to  his  .shoulder. 
In  vain  was  a  shout  to  desist  uttered  by  tho  advancing  man — in  vain  was  hia 
rifle  thrown  aside,  as  if  in  token  of  the  absence  of  all  hostile  purposes.  The 
excited  Henry  Grantham  heeded  not  the  wo'  ds — saw  not  the  action.    Hi 


soon  c&uM 

ho,  having 
ian  Village, 
mcnt (then 
'-n  attached 
1  tho  light- 
their  Chief, 
(as  he  still 
ps  who  fol- 
3  dani'er  to 

lis  charger, 
waving  hia 

lose  he  ad- 
the  victory 
England— a 

lOre  led  his 

•oach  of  so 
n  the  roost 
mmanding 
rson  of  tho 
ich  became 
r  shot  flew 
it  followed 
as  seen  by 
rt  '1  in  his 
rcy  on  his 
It  was 
1  from  his 
n.  Thero 
ed  at  the 

bore  Ihcir 
f reach  of 

building, 
y  adapted 
corner  of 
e  loading 
same  who 
conviction 
icst  dcsiro 
einen.  lay 
le  stood), 
a  fired  ]\y 

g  Aid-ae- 
got  J  ten 
i  covei  01 
More  and 
a  view  to 
shoulder. 
1  was  hia 
les.  The 
ion.    Ht 


TKB    yKOrneoY    FVLFtlLEA. 


180 


IhoagTit  only  of  the  danger  of  his  General,  and  of  his  desire  to  avenge  his 
fall.     lie  fired — the  rifleman  staggered,  and  pottting  liis  hand  to  his  breast— 

"  My  brother !  oh,  my  unhappy  brother  !"  ho  exclaimed,  and  sank  sense- 
less to  the  earth. 

"Who  shall  tell  the  horror  of  the  unfortunate  young  Aide-de-camp,  at  recog- 
nising in  the  supposed  enemy  his  long  mourned  and  much  loved  Gerald ! 
Motion,  sense,  life,  seemed  for  tho  instant  annihilated  by  the  astounding  con- 
sciousness of  the  fratricidal  act :  tho  musket  fell  from  his  hands,  and  he  who 
had  never  known  sorrow  before,  save  throtigh  those  most  close'y  linked  to 
his  warm  affections,  was  now  overwhelmed,  crashed  by  the  mountain  of  de- 
spair that  fell  upon  his  heart.  It  was  some  moments  before  ho  could  so  far 
recover  from  the  stupor  into  which  that  dear  and  wcll-remeu\bercd  voice  Imd 
plunged  him,  as  to  perceive  the  possibility  of  the  wound  not  being  mortal. 
The  thought  acted  like  electricity  upon  each  stupifiud  .sense  and  palsied  limb; 
and  eager  with  the  renewed  hope,  he  bounded  forward  to  the  spot  where  lay 
tho  unfortuftate  GcraW.  writhing  in  his  agony.  He  had  fallen  on  his  face, 
but  03  Henry  approached  him,  he  raised  himself  with  one  hand,  and  with  tho 
other  beckoned  to  his  brother  to  draw  near. 

"  Great  God,  what  have  1  doii'< !"  exclaimed  tho  unhappy  Henry,  throwing 
himself,  in  a  paroxysm  of  despair,  upon  the  body  of  his  bleeding  brother. 
" Gerald,  my  own  beloved  Gerald,  is  it  thus  we  meet  again?  Oh!  if  you 
would  not  kill  me,  tell  mc  that  your  wound  is  not  mortal.  Assure  me  that  I 
am  not  a  fratricide.  Oh,  Gerald,  Gerald !  my  brother,  tell  mc  that  you  aro 
not  dying." 

A  faint  smile  passed  over  the  pale,  haggard  features  of  Gerald :  he  grasped 
the  hand  of  his  brother  and  pressed  it  fervently,  Siiyihg: 

''  Henry,  tho  hand  of  fate  is  visible  in  all  this ;  therefore  condemn  not 
yourself  for  that  which  was  inevitable.  I  knew  of  the  attempt  of  the  Ameri- 
cans to  possess  them.sclvesof  the  heights,  and  I  cros«:ed  over  with  them  under 
favor  of  this  di.sguise,  determined  to  find  death,  combatting  at  the  side  of  our 
gallant  General.  Detaching  my.self  from  the  ranks,  I  but  waited  the  ad- 
vance of  the  British  column  to  remove  from  my  concealment — you  know  the 
rest.  lit  oh,  Ilcnrj' !  if  you  could  divine  what  a  relief  it  is  to  me  to  part 
with  existence,  you  would  not  wish  tho  act  undone.  This  was  all  I  asked  : 
to  see  you  once  more— to  embrace  you — and  to  die  I  Life  olForei'  mo  no  hope 
but  this." 

Gerald  expressed  himself  with  the  effort  of  one  laboring  under  strong/ 
bodily  pain  ;  and  as  he  spoke  he  again  sank  exhausted  upon  the  ground. 

*'  This  p.icket,"  he  continued,  taking  one  from  tho  Vjreast  of  the  hunting- 
frock  he  wore,  and  lianding  it  to  his  brother,  who,  silent  and  full  of  agony,  had 
again  raised  his  head  from  the  ground  and  supported  it  on  his  slmulder— • 
"  this  packet,  Henry,  written  at  various  times  during  the  la.st  fortnight,  will 
explain  all  that  has  passed  since  we  last  parted  in  the  Miami.  When  I  am  no 
more,  read  it  ;  and  while  you  mourn  over  his  dishonor,  pity  tho  weakness  and 
the  sufferings  of  the  unhappy  Gerald." 

Henry  was  nearly  fi'antic.  The  hot  tears  fell  from  his  burning  eyes  upon 
the  pale  emaciated  cheek  of  his  brother,  and  he  groaned  in  ngony. 

"Oh  God  I"  he  exclaimed.  "  how  shall  1  ever  survive  this  blow  ? — my  bro- 
ther !   oh,  my  brother  !   tell  mo  that  you  firgive  mc." 

"  Most  willingly  ;  yet  what  is  there  to  be  forgiven  ?  You  took  mo  for  an 
enemy,  and  hence  alone  your  error.  Tt  was  fate.  Henry.  A  dreadful  doom 
has  long  been  prophesied  to  the  last  of  O'lr  race.  We  aie  the  last — and  I  his 
is  the  consummation.  Let  it  however  console  you  to  thfnk,  that  though  your 
hand  had  not  slain  me  another's  would.  In  the  ranks  of  the  enemy  I  should 
have  found — Henry,  my  kind,  my  affectionate  brother— your  ham! — there — 
there— what  dreadful  faintnessat  my  heart — Matilda,  it  is  my  turn  now — Oh, 
God  have  mercy,  oh " 

"While  this  scene  was  passing  by  the  roadside  between  the  unfortunate 
brothers.  th»<  main  body  of  the  British  force  had  come  up  to  tb?  spot  whern 


tm 


MATILDA    BIONTOOMERl  K  ;    OR* 


the  General  still  lay  cxpirinnj  in  thn  arms  of  Do  Oonrcy,  an(i  surrounded  bjr 
the  principal  of  tho  medical  staff.  Tlie  majority  of  these  were  of  the  repmcnt 
jireriously  named — vcteians  who  had  known  and  loved  their  (pliant  leader 
dtji'in,!?  tfie  wliole  course  of  his  spotless  career,  and  more  than  one  rude  hand 
ml<»ht  ho  soon  dashin,'^  the  tear  tliat  started  involuntarily  to  the  eye.  As  the 
colors  of  the  Forty-ninth  passed  before  him,  tho  General  made  an  elTort  to  ad- 
<lrpss  some  lann;ua(»e  of  encourapremenl  to  his  old  corps,  but  the  words  died 
a^rjiy  in  indistinct  murmurs,  and,  wavinpj  his  hand  in  the  direction  of  tho 
hoitrhts.  he  sank  back  exhausted  with  the  ellbrt,  and  rcsij^ncd  UiS  gallant 
.'.flint  for  orcr. 

For  some  minatos  after  life  had  departed,  Henry  Grantham  continucfl  to 
hanj»  over  the  body  of  his  ill-fated  brother,  with  an  intenseness  of  absorption 
that  rendered  him  heedless  even  of  the  rapid  fire  of  musketry  in  the  advance. 
Tho  sound  of  Do  Courcy's  voice  was  the  first  thin,!^  that  seemed  to  call  him 
to  consciousness.  De  Courcy  had  heard  tho  cry  \ittored  by  the  latter  on  re- 
ceiving: the  fatal  shot,  and  his  imacri nation  had  too  faithfully  portrayed  the 
painful  scone  that  had  ensued.  A  friend  of  both  brothers,  and  particularly 
attached  of  late  to  the  younj^er  from  the  similar  nature  of  their  serv'pe,  howa.-4 
inexpressibly  shocked,  but  still  chori.shinj;  a  hope  that  tho  wound  might  not 
be  attended  with  loss  of  life,  ho  expected  to  find  his  anticipations  realized  by 
some  communication  from  his  friend.  Finding  however  that  the  one  rose  not. 
and  remark  ina:  that  tho  demeanor  of  the  other  was  that  of  profound  despair, 
he  beprau  at  length  to  draw  the  most  unfiivorablc  conclusion,  and  caiisinj*  tho 
body  of  his  commander  to  be  borne  under  cover  of  the  btiildinp:.  until  proper 
means  of  transport  could  bo  found,  ho  hastened  to  ascertain  tho  full  extent  of 
the  traprody. 

Tlie  horror  and  dismay  depicted  in  his  friend's  countenance  were  speedily 
reflected  on  his  own,  when  he  saw  that  the  unfortinvate  Gerald,  whose  blood 
had  completely  saturated  the  earth  on  which  he  lay,  was  indeed  no  more. 
Language  at  such  a  moment  would  not  only  have  been  superfluous,  but  an 
insult.  Da  Courcy  caught  and  pressed  the  hand  of  his  friend  in  silence.  Tho 
unfortunate  voung  man  pointed  (o  the  dead  body  of  his  brother,  and  burst 
info  tears.  While  these  were  yet  flowing  in  a  fulness  that  promi.sed  to  give 
relief  to  his  oppressed  heart,  a  loud  shout  from  the  British  ra.nks  arrested  vho 
attention  of  both.  The  sound  soomed  to  have  an  electric  efTect  on  the  actions 
of  Henry  Grantham.  For  the  first  time  he  appeared  conscious  there  was  such 
a  thing  as  a  battle  being  fought. 

"  De  Courcy,"  he  said,  starling  up,  and  with  .sudden  animation,  "  why  do 
we  linjor  bore  ?  Tlie  doad" — and  he  pointed  first  to  the  body  of  tho  General 
in  the  distance,  and  then  to  his  brother — "the  wretohcd  doad  Ciaim  no  service 
from  us  now." 

•'  You  are  right,  Henry,  our  interest  in  those  beloved  objcct-s  has  caused,  tis 
to  be  heedless  of  our  duty  to  ourselves.  Victory  is  our  own — but  alas  !  how 
Jearlv  purchased  !" 

•'  How  dearly  purchased,  indeed  !"  responded  Henry,  in  a  tone  of  .such  heart- 
rcndinc:  agony  as  cau.scd  his  friend  to  repent  tlie  aHwsion.  "  De  Coiirc}', 
keep  this  p.acket,  and  should  I  fall,  let  it  be  sent  to  my  uncle,  Colonel 
D'Kgville." 

De  Cciircy  accepted  tho  trust,  and  the  young  men  mounted  their  horses, 
wdiich  a  Canadian  peasant  had  hold  for  them  in  the  meantime,  and  dashing  up 
the  ascent,  soon  fo.Mid  themselves  wiicro  the  action  was  hottest. 

"  Forward  !  violi  ry  !"  sliouted  Henry  Grantham,  and  his  sword  was  plunged 
deep  into  the  side  o'/liis  nearest  enemy.  The  man  fell,  and  writhing  in  the 
last  agonies  of  death,  rolled  onward  to  tho  precipice,  and  disappeared  for  ever 
from  the  view. 

Tho  words,  the  action — had  cxciicd  the  attention  of  a  tall,  muscular, 
ferocious-looking  rifloT.ian,  who,  hotly  pursued  by  a  couple  of  Tudians,  waa 
crossing  the  open  ground  at  his  full  speed  to  join  the  main  body  of  his  com- 
rades.    A  ball  struck  hiui  just  as  he  had  arrived  within  a  few  feet  of  the  spot 


THE     PROPHECY     FULFILLED, 


lUl 


oundcd  bjr 
c  repmciU 
ant  l(>adcr 
rude  hand 
c.  As  the 
Tort  to  ad- 
k'ords  died 
ion  of  tho 
iis  gallant 

itinuLHl  to 
[ibsorption 
e  advance, 
o  call  him 
tter  on  re- 
Taycd  the 
irticularly 
ce,  he  was 
might  not 
calized  by 
3  rose  not. 
id  despair, 
fiusing  the 
itil  proper 
extent  of 

3  speedily 
lose  blood 

no  more. 
IIS,  but  an 
noo.  Tho 
ind  bur  .it 
k1  to  give 
rested  vho 
le  actions 

was  such 

"  why  do 

0  General 
10  service 

paused,  ns 
hts !  how 

ich  heart" 

Courc}', 

,  Colonel 

ir  horses, 
ishing  up 

;  plunged 
n^  in  the 

1  for  ever 


where  TTonry  stood,  j'ct  still  leaping  onward,  lie  maihf  a  desperate  blow  at  tho 
head  of  the  oflicor  with  tlie  butt  end  of  his  rifle,  A  quick  movement  disap- 
pointed the  American  ol"  his  aim.  yet  the  blow  f-il  so  violently  on  the  shoul- 
der, that  the  stock  snapped  suddenly  asunder  at  the  small  of  the  butt. 
iStung  with  pain,  Henry  Grantham  turned  to  behold  his  enemy.  It  w.ns 
Dcshorough  1  The  features  of  the  settler  expressed  the  most  savage  and  vin- 
dictive passions,  as,  with  the  head  of  the  rillc  upraised  and  clenehed  in  botii 
his  iron  hands,  ho  was  about  to  repeat  his  blow.  Ere  it  could  descend 
Grantham  had  riishelin  upon  him,  ayid  his  sword,  still  reeking  in  the  blood 
it  had  so  recently  spilt,  was  driven  to  the  very  hilt  in  the  body  of  the  .settler. 
The  latter  uttered  a  terrific  scream  in  which  all  the  most  inf'Tual  of  human 
pa?si(ms  were  wildly  bl'nded.  and  casting  aside  his  rifle,  seized  the  young  ofTi- 
r(T  in  his  powerful  gripe.  Then  ensued  a  contest  the  most  strange  and  awful, 
the  settler  using  every  endeavor  to  gain  the  cilge  of  the  precipice,  the  other 
strmrgling,  but  in  vain,  to  release  himself  from  his  hold.  As  if  by  tacit  con- 
Kent,  both  parties  discontinued  the  struggle,  and  became  mere  spectators  of  tho 
•>ccne, 

"  Villain  !"  shouted  T)o  Conrcy,  who  saw  with  dismay  tho  terrible  object 
of  tho  settler,  whoso  person  he  had  recognised — '"  if  you  would  have  quarter, 
release  your  hoM," 

But  besborough.  too  much  given  to  his  revenge  to  heed  the  words  of  the 
Aide-de-camp,  continued  silently,  yet  with  advantage,  to  drag  his  victim  nearer 
and  nearer  to  the  fatal  precipice  ;  and  every  man  in  the  IJriti.sh  ranks  felt  his 
blood  to  creep,  as  he  beheld  the  unhappy  offlcer  borne,  notwithstanding  a 
desperate  resistance,  at  each  moment  nigher  to  the  brink. 

'•  For  Heaven's  sake,  men,  advance  and  seize  him,"  exclaimed  the  terriQed 
Do  Courcy,  leaping  forward  to  the  resene. 

Acting  on  the  hint,  two  or  three  of  the  most  active  of  the  light  infantry 
rushed  from  the  ranks  in  the  direction  taken  by  the  ofticer. 

Desboroueh  saw  the  movement,  and  his  exertions  to  dcfi^at  it  became,  con- 
sidering the  loss  of  blood  he  had  sustained  from  his  wounds,  almost  herculean. 
ITe  now  stood  on  the  extreme  ver<::e  of  the  precipice,  where  he  paused  for  a 
moment  as  if  utterly  exhausted  by  his  j)revious  cfferts.  Do  Courcy  was  now 
within  a  few  feet  of  his  unhappy  friend,  who  still  struggled  ineflectually  to  freo 
himself  when  the  settler,  .suddenly  coDocting  all  his  energy  into  a  final  and 
desperate  effort,  raised  the  unfortunate  Gerald  from  the  ground,  and  with 
a  loud  and  exulting  lauih,  dashed  his  foot  violently  acrninst  the  edge  of  tho 
cr.ig,  and  threw  himself  backward  into  the  hideous  abyss. 

Their  picked  and  whitened  l)ones  may  be  seen  even  to  this  d.iy,  confounded 
together  and  shining  through  the  gloom  that  pervades  every  part  of  tho 
abyss,  and  often  may  be  remarked  an  aged  and  decrepit  negro,  seated  on  a  rook 
a  few  feet  above  them,  leaning  his  elbows  upon  his  knees,  and  gazing  eagerly 
as  if  to  distinguish  the  bones  of  the  one  from  the  bones  oi'the  otiior. 

And  thcs  was   the   fearful  rKOPiiECY  of  Elle.v   Hallo wat.  tub 

MOTHER   OF   DesbORCUGH    BY   WaCOUSTA,    FULFILI  ED  I 


T^B    SNn. 


nnscular, 

ans,  waa 

his  cora- 

the  .spot 


